Preview: Orlando Magic vs. Atlanta Hawks
In what promises to be an enthralling encounter, the Orlando Magic are set to face off against the Atlanta Hawks at 7:30 p.m. ET on January 17, 2024. The stage is set at the State Farm Arena for their third matchup of the season, where the Hawks will look to capitalize on their home-court advantage.
The Hawks enter the game as favorites and have a history of success in this position, having won 52.4 percent of their games when favored. Meanwhile, the Magic have shown resilience as underdogs, securing 12 victories in 28 outings this season when facing steeper odds.
An offensive powerhouse, the Hawks boast an impressive average of 121.3 points per game, which ranks them fourth in the league. Contrastingly, the Magic's offense lags behind, averaging 111.2 points per game, placing them 24th overall. However, Orlando's formidable defense, with a rating of 111.1, stands as the third-best in the league, potentially offsetting the Hawks' offensive prowess, whose defensive rating sits at 119.6, ranking them 27th.
Impact Players
The spotlight shines on several key players who could tip the scales in this heated contest. For the Orlando Magic, Paolo Banchero has been nothing short of spectacular, averaging 22.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. His shooting accuracy from the field stands at 45.5 percent, with a commendable 35.6 percent from beyond the arc.
Cole Anthony also remains a vital cog for the Magic, contributing 13.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, while shooting 44.1 percent from the floor and 33.3 percent from three-point range.
On the opposing side, Trae Young leads the charge for the Hawks, amassing 27.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and an impressive 10.9 assists per game. Young's precision from the field is recorded at 42.2 percent, and he maintains a solid 36.3 percent from three-point territory. Notably, he ranks fourth in the league with an average of 3.4 three-pointers made per game.
Dejounte Murray also stands out for Atlanta with his all-around contributions of 20.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. Murray's shooting efficiency is reflected in his field goal percentage of 46.7 and a three-point accuracy of 38.6 percent. Defensively, he adds value with an average of 1.3 steals and 0.3 blocks per game.
Injury Concerns
The lead-up to the game has not been without its share of injury woes for both teams. The Magic will miss the services of Gary Harris, who has been nursing a calf strain since January 3. This game marks his seventh consecutive absence, and given his history of lower body soft tissue injuries, his recovery is being closely monitored.
Franz Wagner is another notable absentee for Orlando due to an ankle injury sustained at the same time as Harris. Like Harris, this will be Wagner's seventh straight game missed. Additionally, Mouhamed Gueye continues to be sidelined with a back injury that has kept him out of action since October 30.
The Hawks are dealing with their own injury setbacks. De'Andre Hunter underwent a non-surgical procedure on his right knee, though details on his return to play remain undisclosed. Vit Krejci is out with a left shoulder dislocation and will also miss his seventh consecutive game. Wesley Matthews is another player on the Hawks' injury list, sitting out due to a right calf strain.
Looking Ahead
As the game approaches, the anticipation builds around which team will emerge victorious. The Hawks' high-scoring offense will test the Magic's stout defense, providing a classic clash of contrasting styles. The performance of star players like Banchero and Young, coupled with the strategic adjustments made by each team in light of their injuries, will likely determine the outcome of this exciting matchup.
Praise for the athletes' talents can be summed up in the words of an admirer: "He's beyond special. 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." With such talent on display, fans are sure to witness a captivating battle on the court come game night.