G League Preview: Surging Osceola Magic Visit Struggling Westchester Knicks

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (Interstat) — A matchup of teams on opposite trajectories will unfold Saturday when the Osceola Magic visit the Westchester Knicks in a G League contest at Westchester County Center.

The Magic (16-9) arrive as one of the league’s hotter teams, having won eight of their last 10 games. Their most recent outing was a narrow 125-123 overtime road loss to Greensboro on Jan. 17. Osceola’s success has been built on efficient offense, scoring at least 111 points in nine consecutive games.

Westchester (5-21) seeks to halt a slide, having lost three of its last four. The Knicks are coming off a 114-103 defeat at Wisconsin on Monday. Defense has been a persistent issue, as opponents have scored 120 or more points in seven of Westchester’s last 10 contests.

A key matchup will feature Osceola center Will Baker against Westchester’s backcourt. Baker is in strong form, averaging a double-double over his last five games (17.4 points, 10.2 rebounds). He posted 23 points and 11 rebounds in the loss to Greensboro.

The Knicks will rely on guard Bryson Warren, who has been a bright spot during the team’s struggles. Warren is coming off a 25-point, 8-rebound, 6-assist performance against Wisconsin and has averaged 24.6 points over his last seven games.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Osceola is projected to win 122-100. The teams are scheduled to meet again in Florida on Jan. 29.

For Osceola, the game continues a lengthy road stretch, their ninth away game in a 10-game span. Westchester looks to improve on a 3-9 home record.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. EST on Saturday, Jan. 24.