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- Season Series: Hawks 111, Magic 107 in Orlando on Oct. 24; Hawks 127, Magic 112 in Atlanta on Nov. 4; Hawks 124, Magic 112 in Atlanta on March 16; Tonight in Orlando
Orlando Magic vs. Atlanta Hawks: Stats and 3 Keys to Watch
Atlanta | Orlando | |
|---|---|---|
102.5 | Pace | 100.1 |
114.8 | Off. Rtg. | 114.2 |
113.0 | Def. Rtg. | 114.0 |
55.2 | eFG% | 53.0 |
28.8 | O.Reb.% | 30.4 |
13.7 | TO% | 13.8 |
23.4 | FTR | 30.7 |
1. Franz’s return
Franz Wagner appears set to return after lacking each recreation for the reason that All-Star break and 47 of the final 51 video games with a excessive ankle sprain and problems in recovering from it. It is a big aid because the Magic lastly can really feel nearer to complete.
This first recreation will probably be a bit tough, although. Wagner is predicted to be on a minute restriction — in all probability comparable to the 4 video games he returned for — and nobody ought to anticipate him to take over the sport, whether or not he begins or comes off the bench.
Wagner is averaging 21.3 factors per recreation this season and posting 47.9/36.5/82.8 capturing splits. The Magic have a +1.7 web score with Wagner on the ground, together with a 114.0 offensive score and 112.3 defensive score. The Magic had a +2.7 web score with Wagner on the ground earlier than his harm (114.2/111.4).
In the 4 video games Wagner performed for the reason that preliminary harm, Wagner averaged 12.8 factors per recreation and shot 39.1 % from the ground in 22.8 minutes per recreation. He returned in Berlin to score 18 points on 6-for-16 capturing, making a number of huge photographs down the stretch to clinch the win. In his return game against the Milwaukee Bucks, he had 14 factors on 6-for-10 capturing.
There will definitely be an preliminary enhance in vitality from Wagner’s return at any time when he steps on the court docket. The query is whether or not will probably be efficient sufficient for the Magic to journey that vitality to a win.
2. Self-Inflicted Wounds
The Orlando Magic have struggled with turnovers a ton within the final two video games. The turnovers have been an enormous a part of that 31-0 run — 12 of them in that run — against the Toronto Raptors. They dedicated 25 turnovers for 18 Phoenix Suns factors in Tuesday’s win.
The Magic are nonetheless tenth within the league in turnover price at 13.8 %. They are at 14.7 % within the final 15 video games.
That is bleeding possessions for a group that wants to worth the ball. Orlando has fallen from a season common of 16.8 factors allowed off turnovers per recreation to 18.7 factors allowed off turnovers per recreation within the final 15 video games.
The Atlanta Hawks are feasting on turnovers with their defensive upturn and now improved offensive circulation and spacing.
The Hawks common a league-leading 24.9 factors off turnvoers per recreation within the final 15 video games and drive a 17.4 % turnover price.
This is the important thing to the sport. The Magic can not flip the ball over excessively as they’ve been. The Hawks will put the Magic below plenty of stress.
3. The Jalen Suggs ups and downs
That goes to put plenty of the stress on Jalen Suggs. He is the purpose guard and has plenty of management and course over the offense. And he has at occasions been the maniac defensively and an improved playmaker that makes an enormous distinction.
At different occasions, he has been throwing the ball round, making dangerous selections and turning the ball over. They each occur usually inside the similar recreation.
Suggs scored 20 factors and was +15 in Tuesday’s recreation with seven assists. But he additionally had six turnovers. There have been plenty of dangerous ones in there.
In the Magic’s final 9 video games, Suggs is averaging 12.3 factors per recreation, 4.9 assists per recreation and 3.3 turnovers per recreation with 43.2 % capturing and 31.7 % from three. He has been wildly up and down.
But within the Magic’s final 9 video games, they’ve a -11.6 web score (109.8 offensive score/121.4 defensive score) with Suggs on the ground. It is -8.9 with him off the ground.
Getting Suggs proper continues to be one of many huge questions for the Magic as they conclude the season. They could be a really elite group when he’s proper. But consistency continues to elude him.
Orlando Magic vs. Atlanta Hawks: Injury Report & Projected Lineups
Atlanta Hawks Injury Report
- Jock Landale – QUESTIONABLE (Illness)
- RayJ Dennis – QUESTIONABLE (G-League Two-Way)
- Keshon Gilbert – QUESTIONABLE (G-League Two-Way)
Orlando Magic Injury Report
- Franz Wagner – QUESTIONABLE (Left High Ankle Sprain Injury Management)
- Anthony Black – OUT (Left Lateral Abdominal Strain)
- Jonathan Isaac – OUT (Left Knee Sprain)
- Colin Castleton – OUT (G-League Two-Way)
- Alex Morales – OUT (G-League Two-Way)
Projected Starting Lineups
Atlanta | Orlando | |
|---|---|---|
CJ McCollum | PG | Jalen Suggs |
Dyson Daniels | SG | Desmond Bane |
Nickeil Alexander-Walker | SF | Tristan da Silva |
Jalen Johnson | PF | Paolo Banchero |
Onyeka Okongwu | C | Wendell Carter |
Orlando Magic vs. Atlanta Hawks: Prediction
Our Record: 46-29/32-43 ATS
The Orlando Magic ought to get a shot within the arm with Franz Wagner’s return to the lineup. Really in any capability, it needs to be a releif for this group.
They will sooner or later get their opening evening beginning lineup on the ground collectively. They have a +14.0 web score — 120.1 offensive score and 106.1 defensive score — in 126 minutes throughout 13 video games. That merely just isn’t sufficient time to conclude something concerning the group. But it’s promising.
The solely difficulty is that they’re going up in opposition to an Atlanta Hawks group that’s rolling. Their beginning lineup has a +22.5 web score with a 124.7 offensive score and 102.2 defensive score. They have dominated the league since coming collectively after the Trae Young commerce.
The Hawks have gained 17 of 20 video games to climb into management of the Southeast Division and out of the Play-In. They are among the best tales within the league.
Maybe they’re slowing down some. But you have got to actually squint. And whereas the Orlando Magic have gotten some momentary aid with the win over the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, it’s nonetheless not sure if this group is again.
This is a intestine test recreation. They put in a superb defensive efficiency on Tuesday and regarded extra like themselves, even with their errors. They want one other good efficiency to strive to steal this win again and make an enormous step up within the race to keep away from the Play-In — and even get the 7-seed and host the 7/8 Play-In recreation.
Even taking part in nicely will not be sufficient in opposition to an excellent Hawks group.
