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Knicks will have to go through stout Magic defense in NBA Cup clash
NY Post
Amazingly, the Knicks haven’t faced an Eastern Conference opponent with a winning record since October.
Until Tuesday.
The streaking Orlando Magic (15-7), winners of six straight, hit MSG for a matchup that doubles as an NBA Cup elimination game and a test of the Knicks’ standing in the conference.
Interestingly, the Magic have been without their perceived best player, Paolo Banchero, who has missed 17 straight games with an oblique strain. His absence has allowed Franz Wagner, the young German pushing for an All-Star bid while averaging 23.4 points, to flourish.
Josh Hart outlined an advantage for the Knicks (12-8), and not surprisingly it’s been their strength all season — outside shooting.
“[Orlando’s] a team that’s very physical. They’re a team that collapses in the paint,” Hart said. “So as long as we get into the paint and spray and find five guys, there’ll be open shots.
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The preferred path to follow remains in place: Select a quarterback with the No. 3 pick in the draft. That is what the Giants hope will happen. When it comes to identifying and securing a franchise-saving player, though, hope is not a good thing, maybe the worst of things — with apologies to Andy Dufresne.