Orlando easily defeated them Sunday night in New York -- after the Magic had played Saturday night in Milwaukee -- and the rematch in Orlando certainly will favor the Magic even more.

The Magic will be the better-rested team in the next matchup because they don't play again until Wednesday. The Knicks are home Tuesday night against Phoenix.

The Knicks (3-14) also are one of the worst teams in the league. The Magic (14-4) have the league's best record. If they thumped the Knicks when they were tired, they should pummel them even more when they are rested.

The Magic are on a roll, returning home after sweeping a three-game road trip that started with victories in Atlanta and Milwaukee.

Despite the absence of starting point guard Jameer Nelson, they have shown considerable improvement since the start of the season, helped by the return of Rashard Lewis and the improved play of center Dwight Howard.

MAGIC 114, KNICKS 102: Rashard Lewis scored 26 points and Dwight Howard continued his surge with 24 points and 16 rebounds, leading the Magic to a victory over the Knicks. Vince Carter added 23 points. The Knicks were led by David Lee with 20 points and 12 rebounds. The Knicks proved to be pesky, but they had no answer for Howard around the basket.