Preview: Orlando Magic vs. Atlanta Hawks
As the NBA season continues to unfold, the Orlando Magic are set to face off against the Atlanta Hawks on January 17, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. ET. The stage is set for an enthralling encounter at the State Farm Arena, marking their third matchup of the season. With the Hawks entering the game as favorites, they will look to capitalize on their home-court advantage and continue their pursuit of dominance in the league.
Seasonal Standings and Performance
The Hawks have demonstrated a strong winning tendency when favored, securing victories in 52.4 percent of such contests. Their offense has been particularly potent, averaging 121.3 points per game, which places them fourth in the league's offensive rankings. However, their defensive play has lagged, with a defensive rating of 119.6 that ranks them 27th in the league.
Conversely, the Orlando Magic have faced an uphill battle this season when playing as the underdog, managing to pull off 12 wins out of 28 games in these circumstances. Despite their offensive challenges, averaging 111.2 points per game and ranking 24th in the league, the Magic boast a robust defense. Their defensive rating stands at 111.1, positioning them as the third-best defensive team in the league.
Impact Players
Paolo Banchero is a player who consistently delivers impressive performances for the Magic, averaging 22.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. His shooting accuracy from the field is a solid 45.5 percent, and he maintains a respectable 35.6 percent from beyond the arc.
Alongside Banchero, Cole Anthony contributes with averages of 13.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. Anthony's shooting prowess is evident with a 44.1 percent success rate from the floor and a 33.3 percent rate from three-point range.
For the Atlanta Hawks, Trae Young remains the linchpin of their offense, leading the team with 27.5 points and 10.9 assists per game, complemented by 3.1 rebounds. Young's sharpshooting skills are highlighted by his 42.2 percent shooting from the field and 36.3 percent from three-point land, including an average of 3.4 three-pointers per game, placing him fourth in the league.
Dejounte Murray also makes a significant impact on both ends of the court, tallying 20.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, along with a field goal percentage of 46.7 and a three-point shooting accuracy of 38.6 percent. Defensively, Murray contributes with an average of 1.3 steals and 0.3 blocks per game.
Injury Report
The Magic will be without Gary Harris, who has been sidelined with a calf strain since January 3. This game will mark his seventh consecutive absence. Harris's injury history includes several lower body soft tissue injuries, raising concerns about his long-term durability.
Franz Wagner is also out of action due to an ankle injury sustained on the same date as Harris. Like Harris, Wagner will miss his seventh straight game, leaving the Magic without two key contributors.
Additionally, Mouhamed Gueye has been unavailable since October 30 because of a back injury, further challenging the depth of the Magic's roster.
The Hawks have their share of injury woes as well. De'Andre Hunter underwent a non-surgical procedure on his right knee, and Vit Krejci is recovering from a left shoulder dislocation. Krejci, like Harris and Wagner, will be missing his seventh consecutive game. Wesley Matthews is also sidelined with a right calf strain, adding to the list of players the Hawks will have to compensate for during the upcoming match.
Looking Ahead
As both teams prepare for their third showdown of the season, the narrative is clear: the Hawks aim to exploit their offensive firepower, while the Magic will rely on their stringent defense to counteract. The contrasting styles promise to make this an intriguing contest, with each team eager to assert their dominance and climb the standings.
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