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Magic, Hawks Meet in Playoff-Caliber Showdown
With just eight weeks left in the regular season, every game counts for the Orlando Magic (27-29) and Atlanta Hawks (26-29) as they chase a top-six seed in the Eastern Conference to avoid the play-in tournament.
- Orlando is in seventh place, just half a game ahead of Atlanta in the standings.
- Both teams are chasing Detroit (29-26) for the final guaranteed playoff spot.
- The Hawks won the first matchup 112-106 on Feb. 10, with two more meetings scheduled in April.
The intensity is expected to be high when the teams square off Thursday night in Atlanta.
Magic ‘Rejuvenated’ After Break
The All-Star break came at the right time for the Magic, who were struggling with injuries and inconsistency before the pause.
What to Watch for:
| Key Player | Stats (Season) | Last Game vs. Hawks |
|---|---|---|
| Paolo Banchero | 22.5 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 5.0 APG | 31 PTS, 6 REB |
| Franz Wagner | 25.1 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 4.9 APG | 37 PTS, 7 REB |
| Jalen Suggs (Doubtful) | 12.8 PPG, 3.5 APG | Missed last game |
| Jonathan Isaac (Questionable) | 6.4 PPG, 4.7 RPG | Missed last game |
Banchero and Wagner have been dominant, with both putting up 30+ points in the last meeting against Atlanta.
“Guys were moving around, loud talking. It was good energy,” Banchero said after Monday’s practice.
The Magic will also monitor the status of key reserves:
- Jonathan Isaac (back tightness) missed the last game before the break.
- Jalen Suggs (quad) has missed 19 of the last 20 games and remains limited to non-contact drills.
Hawks Look to Build on Recent Momentum
Atlanta has won three of its last four games since the trade deadline, with new additions Georges Niang, Caris LeVert, and Terance Mann making immediate impacts.
Hawks Key Players:
| Key Player | Stats (Season) | Last Game vs. Magic |
|---|---|---|
| Trae Young | 23.7 PPG, 11.5 APG | 25 PTS, 10 AST |
| Zaccharie Risacher | 11.4 PPG | 17 PTS, 8 REB |
| Caris LeVert | 15.7 PPG, 7.0 RPG (with ATL) | N/A |
| Clint Capela (Questionable) | 11.3 PPG, 10.2 RPG | Missed last game |
LeVert and Niang have been key additions, helping bolster Atlanta’s depth after trading away key pieces at the deadline.
Coach Quin Snyder is optimistic about the new-look Hawks, saying:
“We had three new players and two guys from the G League. Five of our nine rotation guys have been here for a week or two. I’m pleased with how they’re playing together.”
However, Atlanta remains banged up:
- Clint Capela (back) has missed the last eight games but could return.
- Larry Nance Jr. (knee) and Vit Krejci (back) are out, both injured in the last game vs. Orlando.
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Matchup to Watch: Paolo Banchero vs. Trae Young
Both Banchero and Young are the engines that drive their respective offenses:
- Banchero’s size and versatility make him a matchup nightmare for the Hawks.
- Young’s ability to create for teammates and hit deep shots can shift momentum instantly.
Prediction: Magic Stay Hot, Edge Hawks in Tight Contest
Orlando has found its rhythm offensively and has the star power to compete with Young and Atlanta. If Banchero and Wagner produce at a high level again, the Magic should have the edge.
