The way the Knicks have been playing this game will result in a straight up win, or another pounding like the last 7. Point being, I don’t see the rationale in taking +2 or +2.5 depending on where you shop, play the money line. Carmelo Anthony has labeled this game a “MUST WIN!” The last time he labeled a game as such, was when he and his Knicks went into Miami and beat the Heat. Bottom line, aside from getting used to each other, the problem with this Knicks team is effort. Both Amare and Melo have always needed to be jumped started with a kick in the ass to play to their potential, 7 loses in a row, New York media up your ass, and people bashing you is just that jump start. The Magic are also without a lot of players this evening. Nelson is out, Redick is out, Richardson is 50/50 — who does that leave? I will take plus money with any team in the league against a team being ran by the ultimate loser (Gilbert Arenas). Throw in the fact that the Magic bench is short to begin with — and I just see this as a great situational spot for the Knicks. The reason this isn’t a Premium Selection is for the simple fact that although I have listed some great reasons to play this game…my true line sets this game as a Pick’em with current lineups, a virtual coin flip. +2 isn’t enough for me to jump at that and upgrade it to a premium selection, but as a free pick I have no problems playing the bookmaker in a game of Heads and Tails when he’s going to pay me $1.20 when it lands on my side, and I’m going to pay him $1.00 when it lands on his side.