NBA: New York Knicks vs Orlando Magic Injury Report, Predicted Lineups and Starting Fives
In the 2021-22 NBA season, the New York Knicks will travel to the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida, to face a young Orlando Magic club on Friday. In their season opener at MSG, the Knicks defeated the Boston Celtics in a dramatic double-overtime thriller.
Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic are still smarting from their season-opening loss to another young club, the San Antonio Spurs. Tom Thibodeau’s retooled and better lineup is anticipated to make a splash in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The New York Knicks will once again rely on their burly All-Star Julius Randle, who impressed in the team’s season opener.
Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic, led by Jamashi Mosley, might use this season as a learning lesson as they work to establish a new identity and culture in the city. Against the Spurs, their frontcourt of Mo Bamba and Wendell Carter Jr. played well. New York’s frontcourt, on the other hand, is a different animal, with Mitchell Robinson and Obi Toppin showing signs of improvement.
Considering the same, the Magic could be in for another rough night, especially after the Knicks’ season-opening performance.
Injury Report for the New York Knicks
The same players who missed their season opener are listed as injured in this game’s injury report. Taj Gibson is unable to play due to his commitments to his family as a new father. Nerlens Noel, on the other hand, is currently suffering from left knee pain and has been ruled out.
Luka Samanic, who was dismissed by the Spurs and is now on a two-way contract with the Knicks, will be assigned to the G-League to continue his development.
Injury Update for the Orlando Magic
The injury list for the Orlando Magic is long. Gary Harris, who had a tight right hamstring prior to the last game, is also out of this one. The other players on this list have been injured for some time and are unable to participate in this match.
New York Knicks vs. Orlando Magic Lineups Predicted
New York Knicks
Tom Thibodeau should stick with the same starting lineup that dominated the Boston Celtics the night before. Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier, both recent recruits, are expected to start at point guard and shooting guard, respectively. Fournier had an outstanding start for the New York Knicks, scoring important points and posing a constant threat from the perimeter.
RJ Barrett, who had a fantastic game on both sides of the floor, will want to continue his strong start. He should resume his regular small forward position. Meanwhile, Julius Randle, the franchise’s beast of a player, will continue to play his usual role as the Knicks’ power forward extraordinaire. Mitchell Robinson, the team’s up-and-coming center, should guard the rim.
Orlando Magic
Because of Markelle Fultz’s injury, Cole Anthony was labeled as the playmaker throughout much of training camp and preseason, and he is expected to start at point guard. Jalen Suggs, who struggled in his NBA debut against the Spurs, expects to do better this time around at shooting guard.
Me: “how long have you been a magic fan?”
— Sam Gorovitz (@Sam_Gorovitz) October 21, 2021
New fan: “I got into it around Jalen Suggs’ rookie season”
Me: “Oh, you didn’t go through the pain.”
New fan: “What pain?” pic.twitter.com/wGd7MtTcNe
In the Orlando Magic’s young group, newcomer Franz Wagner is expected to play small forward. At power forward, Wendell Carter Jr. will have the unpleasant task of containing Julius Randle for the majority of the night.
New York Knicks vs Orlando Magic: Predicted Starting 5s
New York Knicks
Point Guard – Kemba Walker | Shooting Guard – Evan Fournier | Small Forward – RJ Barrett | Power Forward – Julius Randle | Center – Mitchell Robinson.
Orlando Magic
Point Guard – Cole Anthony | Shooting Guard – Jalen Suggs | Small Forward – Franz Wagner | Power Forward – Wendell Carter Jr. | Center – Mo Bamba.