Knicks to face Magic in season opener at The Garden

The New York Knicks will host the Orlando Magic at The Garden on Sunday, October 25, 2026, in the first meeting between the two teams this season. The contest is scheduled to tip off at 7 PM ET and will be broadcast on MSG, DAZN-MSG, WRDQ, WFTV, and DAZN-ORL.

Both teams enter the game with a 0-2 record. The Knicks, the reigning NBA champions, lost their opening night game to the Philadelphia 76ers, 106-100, and subsequently fell to the Boston Celtics, 107-103. New York becomes the first reigning champion to drop its first two games since the Dallas Mavericks opened the 2011-12 season 0-3. The Knicks have committed 30 total turnovers in their first two games.

The Orlando Magic are also 0-2, having lost a close game to the Atlanta Hawks and then falling to the Minnesota Timberwolves, 115-93, in their previous contest. Both of Orlando's losses occurred at home, and the team is now beginning a three-game road trip.

Injury reports indicate a significant disadvantage for the Magic, as star forward Paolo Banchero is out with a right low-grade high ankle sprain. Banchero suffered the injury against Minnesota after playing 26 minutes. He was averaging 24.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 7.5 assists in the two games prior to the injury.

For the Knicks, Jose Alvarado is listed as questionable with a left ankle sprain. Alvarado has played in both games this season, averaging 13.5 minutes, five points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. If Alvarado is unable to play, Jordan Clarkson could see increased minutes off the bench. The Knicks are expected to start Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns.