The New York Knicks, reigning world champions, are staring down an unthinkable 0-2 start to their season, making them the first defending champs since the 2011-12 Mavericks to stumble out of the gate like this. After brutal losses to a retooled Philly squad and the Tatum-led Celtics, they are hosting the equally winless Orlando Magic on October 25, desperately trying to get things on track.
What in the World is Happening in New York?
Seriously, folks, the World Champions have looked sluggish. It is more about execution than talent so far, but that is not exactly comforting. Jalen Brunson, usually Mr. Reliable, has not found his rhythm, and the offense has stalled in stretches. But the absolute kicker? Mikal Bridges, their starting shooting guard, is shooting a mind-numbing 2-of-16 through two games! That made him unplayable down the stretch in Boston, and you know that cannot happen for a championship team. Miles McBride gave them a much-needed spark off the bench against Boston, and they are going to need that energy again, big time, if Bridges keeps going blank.
Their frontcourt has had its own concerns, but they might catch a break here. Karl-Anthony Towns stayed out of foul trouble in the last game, which helped, but Jose Alvarado is questionable for this tilt with an ankle sprain. The game plan for the good guys is clear: harass the Fightin’ Disneys into turnovers and convert those into points, smash the glass, and for the love of all that is holy, plead with Mikal Bridges to make some shots.
Magic Missing a Major Piece and Fighting for a First Win
The Orlando Magic are also sitting at 0-2, and things are not getting easier for them. They are without star Paolo Banchero for several weeks due to a high ankle sprain, which seriously weakens their frontcourt. Ouch. This is freshman coach Sean Sweeney’s chance to step out of Jamahl Mosley’s shadow and grab his first win, but it will be tough without their main man.
Their defense, which supposedly carried them last season, has been a no-show, allowing a staggering 123.5 points per game while only averaging 109. That is not a recipe for success, especially against the champs, even struggling champs. The last time these teams met was in the NBA Cup back on December 13, 2025, when the Knicks won 132-120. Brunson dropped 40 that game, Towns added 29, and OG Anunoby had 24. Jalen Suggs led Orlando with 26 and Banchero scored 25. The Knicks controlled the game after finding their footing in the second half. Without Banchero this time, the load will fall even heavier on Wendell Carter, Jr., Franz Wagner, Desmond Bane, and Suggs. Wagner can still hurt New York with his size and scoring bursts, Bane provides the shooting and secondary creation, Carter anchors the interior and crashes the glass, and Suggs brings defensive energy along with those little spurts of scoring. Tristan da Silva, in his third year, will likely step into the starting lineup with Banchero sidelined.
To make matters worse for Orlando, their injury report is a laundry list: Banchero (ankle), Jonathan Isaac (knee), Noah Penda (hamstring), and Izaiyah Nelson (ankle) are all out. Anthony Black is day-to-day with an ankle issue. Both squads are coming off Friday losses, so they both had a day of rest to stew on it.
This October 25th matchup is huge for both teams. The Knicks absolutely have to get into the win column to prevent a truly historic and embarrassing 0-3 start for the defending champs. The Magic are desperate for Coach Sweeney’s first win and to show they can compete even without Banchero. Get ready, because this one is going to be a battle!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Posting and Toasting.
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