Preview: Orlando Magic vs. Atlanta Hawks
As the NBA season progresses, fans are gearing up for an exciting clash between the Orlando Magic and the Atlanta Hawks on January 17, 2024. The game is set to tip-off at 7:30 p.m. ET at the State Farm Arena, marking their third encounter this season.
The Hawks enter the matchup with a statistical advantage and are the favored team to come out on top. Their recent track record supports this sentiment as they have clinched victory in 52.4 percent of games when favored. Conversely, the Magic have found themselves in the underdog role frequently this season but have managed to secure 12 wins out of 28 such games, showcasing their resilience and ability to upset the odds.
Offensive and Defensive Matchup
On the offensive end, the Hawks boast an impressive average of 121.3 points per game, which ranks them fourth across the league. This potent scoring capability will be a significant challenge for any opponent. The Magic, however, lag behind offensively, with an average of 111.2 points per game, positioning them 24th in the league.
Defensively, the roles reverse. The Magic have established themselves as one of the league's top defensive teams with a rating of 111.1, good for third overall. On the flip side, the Hawks' defense has been less than stellar, with a defensive rating of 119.6 that places them 27th in the league. This discrepancy sets the stage for an intriguing battle where the Magic's defense will look to contain the high-flying Hawks offense.
Players to Watch
The spotlight shines brightly on several players who could tip the scales in favor of their respective teams. For the Magic, Paolo Banchero has emerged as a standout performer, averaging 22.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. His shooting accuracy from the field stands at 45.5 percent, complemented by a solid 35.6 percent from beyond the arc.
Cole Anthony also contributes significantly to the Magic's efforts, maintaining averages of 13.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. His shooting accuracy reflects his reliable performance, with a 44.1 percent success rate from the floor and 33.3 percent from three-point range.
For the Hawks, Trae Young continues to be the linchpin of their offense, leading the team with 27.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and an impressive 10.9 assists per game. Young's prowess from long-range is notable, as he ranks fourth in the league with an average of 3.4 three-pointers made per game, shooting 36.3 percent from deep.
Dejounte Murray complements Young's output, tallying 20.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. Murray's shooting percentages are commendable, with a 46.7 field goal percentage and a 38.6 percent accuracy from three-point land. Defensively, he contributes with averages of 1.3 steals and 0.3 blocks per game.
Injury Update
The injury list for both teams could play a pivotal role in the outcome of the game. The Magic will be without Gary Harris, who has been sidelined with a calf strain since January 3, and Franz Wagner due to an ankle injury sustained on the same date. This game marks the seventh consecutive absence for both players, with Harris having a notable history of lower body soft tissue injuries.
Mouhamed Gueye remains out of action for the Magic since October 30 with a back injury, leaving a gap in their roster depth. 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 out with a left shoulder dislocation. Wesley Matthews is also sidelined with a right calf strain. Notably, Krejci will miss his seventh straight game.
Quotes
The anticipation for the upcoming game is heightened by the buzz surrounding the players, particularly the young stars making a mark in the league. While specific attributions were not provided, the sentiments shared about a player's potential resonate with the excitement of what's to come: "He's beyond special," one quote reads. "I've seen a lot of special players in this league. He's one of them. He's not even scratched the surface of what he's capable of doing." Such high praise suggests that fans can expect