Why Injury Report Alludes to Knicks Victory

Mitchell Robinson, the missing piece of an excelling team with Karl-Anthony Towns at center, continues his recovery from ankle surgery. Previous reports indicated his return in January, which creeps up the calendar. Aside from Towns, the Knicks injury report only has one other player. 

Despite the punishing track record of Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau's grueling rotation, the team remains afloat in the top tier of the Eastern Conference. 

Likewise, regarding the competitive bubble in which they exist, the Magic threaten the Knicks for the Eastern Conference's third seed. Orlando is three losses behind New York.

However, unlike the Knicks, the Magic's luck is as low as the Philadelphia 76ers' loss to Kawhi Leonard's shot during the 2019 playoffs. The Magic have multiple stars listed on Friday's injury report. 

Considering the Knicks' wealth in health and the Magic's injury-riddled roster, don't be surprised if the road team handles business early. 

Knicks vs. Magic Injury Report 

New York Knicks

• Kevin McCullar Jr. (OUT - G League)
• Mitchell Robinson (OUT - left ankle)

Orlando Magic

• Paolo Banchero (OUT - return to competition reconditioning)
• Gary Harris (PROBABLE - left hamstring)
• Mac McClung (OUT - G League)
• Franz Wagner (OUT - right oblique)
• Moritz Wagner (OUT - left knee)