Preview: Orlando Magic vs. Atlanta Hawks
The stage is set for an electrifying encounter as the Orlando Magic square off against the Atlanta Hawks on January 17, 2024. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET at the State Farm Arena, marking their third head-to-head matchup of the season. With the Hawks entering as favorites, they'll be looking to capitalize on their home-court advantage and continue their winning ways.
Season Performance
The Hawks have been performing well when expectations are high, having won 52.4 percent of games where they've been favored. On the flip side, the Magic have shown resilience in the face of adversity, securing victories in 12 out of their 28 games as underdogs this season.
Offensively, the Hawks boast a robust scoring average of 121.3 points per game, which ranks them fourth across the league. In contrast, the Magic's offense lags behind with an average of 111.2 points per game, placing them 24th in the NBA. However, it's on the defensive end where the Magic shine, boasting a defensive rating of 111.1 — good for third-best in the league. The Hawks, meanwhile, have struggled defensively, with a rating of 119.6 that ranks them near the bottom at 27th overall.
Impact Players
All eyes will be on Paolo Banchero, who has been a standout performer for the Magic, averaging 22.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per contest. Banchero's shooting prowess from the field is notable with a 45.5 percent accuracy, and he's also a threat from beyond the arc, hitting 35.6 percent of his three-point attempts.
Cole Anthony is another key player for Orlando, contributing 13.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. His shooting touch is reflected in a solid 44.1 percent from the floor and a respectable 33.3 percent from long distance.
For the Atlanta Hawks, Trae Young is the linchpin of their offense. Young leads the team with an impressive 27.5 points and 10.9 assists per game, alongside 3.1 rebounds. His marksmanship includes a 42.2 percent shooting from the field and a 36.3 percent success rate from three-point land. Notably, Young ranks fourth in the league with an average of 3.4 made three-pointers per game.
Dejounte Murray complements Young in the backcourt, posting averages of 20.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists. Murray's field goal percentage stands at 46.7, and he's even more effective from the perimeter, with a 38.6 percent accuracy on threes. Defensively, Murray contributes with an average of 1.3 steals and 0.3 blocks per game.
Injury Concerns
The injury report adds an extra layer of complexity to the upcoming game. The Magic will be without Gary Harris, who is recovering from a calf strain since January 3. This game marks his seventh consecutive absence, a concern given his history of lower body soft tissue injuries.
Franz Wagner is also sidelined for Orlando due to an ankle injury since January 3, meaning he too will miss his seventh straight game. Additionally, Mouhamed Gueye remains out of action for the Magic with a back injury that has kept him off the court since October 30.
The Hawks have their share of injury woes as well. De'Andre Hunter is recuperating from a non-surgical procedure on his right knee. Vit Krejci is dealing with a left shoulder dislocation and, like Harris and Wagner, will miss his seventh game in a row. Wesley Matthews is also sidelined, nursing a right calf strain.
Looking Ahead
As both teams prepare to clash, the dynamics of the game could very well hinge on how each squad compensates for their missing players and exploits the other's weaknesses. The Magic's stout defense will be put to the test by the Hawks' high-powered offense, setting up a classic showdown of contrasting styles.
One thing is certain—this matchup promises to be a thrilling affair, featuring some of the most exciting talents in the league today. As one anonymous source eloquently put it, referring to a player's potential, "He's beyond special. I've seen a lot of special players in this league. He's one of them. He's not even