Magic vs Hawks

This single-elimination play-in game determines the Eastern Conference’s seventh seed, with the winner facing the Celtics in the first round and the loser battling the Bulls-Heat victor for the final playoff spot. In the regular season, the Magic finished seventh at 41-41, just ahead of the eighth-placed Hawks at 40-42.

The Magic are defensively elite but offensively limited, allowing a league-low 105.5 points per game while scoring only 105.4, third-worst in the NBA. The Hawks, conversely, are offensive dynamos, averaging 118.2 points (second in the East) but conceding 119.3 (third-worst in the East). Both teams have balanced home-road splits: Magic 22-19 at home, 19-22 away; Hawks 21-19 at home, 19-22 away.

Orlando’s attack hinges on Banchero (25.9 points) and Franz Wagner (24.2 points), versatile forwards who trouble defenses. Suggs (16.2 points) and Moritz Wagner (12.9 points) are out for the season, but Black, Anthony, and others provide depth. Atlanta’s scoring is spread across seven double-digit scorers, led by Trae Young (24.2 points, 11.6 assists, league-leading in assists), with Daniels excelling in steals, though Jalen Johnson is sidelined.

The teams split their four regular-season meetings. The Hawks, in their fourth straight play-in, have more experience, advancing twice before falling to Chicago last year. The Magic, in their first play-in, benefit from a perfect historical record for seventh seeds reaching the playoffs. Injury-wise, Atlanta’s Capela, Johnson, and others are out, with Young likely to play; Orlando is without Suggs and Moritz Wagner.

The game should follow Orlando’s pace, favoring the under 219.5 points.