Atlanta Hawks - Orlando Magic predictions and free betting tips [26/02/2024]

The Atlanta Hawks will host the Orlando Magic at the State Farm arena on Monday morning.

Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks are going through a rough period, having lost 5 out of their last 7 games, and are aiming to break their skid after their recent loss to Toronto Raptors by a score of 121-123. Dejounte Murray emerged as the leader, scoring 24 points, pulling in 10 rebounds and delivering 7 assists, while De'Andre Hunter and Saddiq Bey chipped in with 22 and 18 points, respectively. Despite the team's efforts and recovering from an early 16-point deficit, the Hawks could not hold on to the lead in the final quarter, enabling the Raptors to snatch the victory.

Currently claiming the 10th spot in the Eastern Conference and trailing Chicago by 2 games, the Hawks are gearing up for their clash with Orlando Magic. The return of centre Clint Capela to the roster after injury significantly bolstered the team, despite the absence of Onyeka Okongwu due to injury. Capela, who averages at 11.3 points and hauls in 10.5 rebounds per game, missed six games but his return was an important milestone for the Hawks. Head coach Quin Snyder expressed satisfaction with Capela's return and underscored his diligence on the court. Bruno Fernando was also lauded for stepping up during Okongwu's absence, which is an encouraging sign for the team.

Orlando Magic

The Magic are displaying good form, having secured 8 victories in their last 10 outings, and are gunning for their fourth straight win after seeing off Detroit Pistons with a scoreline of 112-109 on the road. Paolo Banchero took the lead for the team, scoring 15 points, while Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs pitched in with 14 points each, and Gary Harris added 12 points. The Magic showed efficiency, completing 49% of their field goals and half of their three-pointers, creating an 11-point advantage halfway through the game, despite a subsequent Pistons rally.

Now the Magic are preparing to wrap up their three-match road trip on Monday, facing off against Atlanta, and are aiming to sustain their winning streak after successful shows against Cleveland and Detroit. The return to home turf promises to be eventful as a three-match home series kicks off on Tuesday, starting with the Brooklyn Nets. Despite the Hawks taking two of the three previous encounters with the Magic this season, each match was tense. Following the victory over Detroit, sealed by Banchero's decisive three-pointer, which lifted the team to the 6th spot in the Eastern Conference playoff, the Magic confidence is high. Despite the difficulties during back-to-back matches where the team has won only 3 out of 8, Banchero, as the team leader for points per game average, stresses the significance of team support during uncertainties on the court.

Prediction for the Atlanta Hawks - Orlando Magic game

The Orlando Magic continues to grapple with squad issues: Markelle Fultz remains out of the line-up, while the Atlanta Hawks are facing the absence of Trae Young due to an unresolved finger injury. Ahead of this match the Magic appear a stronger side, despite their last win over the Detroit Pistons not being entirely convincing. Nevertheless, it is anticipated that the Magic can outdo the Hawks, a team who has shown inconsistency throughout the season. Without Young, the Hawks' strength deteriorates significantly, I'm wagering on the Magic.