The Orlando Magic look to correct mistakes and build off an impressive performance in their opening loss as they head to Atlanta to face the Atlanta Hawks.
Orlando Magic (0-1) at Atlanta Hawks (1-0)
Time/TV: 7:30 p.m./Bally Sports Florida
WATCH MAGIC-HAWKS ON FUBO TV
FOLLOW LIVE @OMAGICDAILY
Line: Hawks by 9
Tickets: $19-$2,624 on StubHub
Season Series: Tonight in Atlanta; Nov. 30 in Orlando; Dec. 14 in Orlando; Dec. 19 in Atlanta
| Pace | Off. Rtg. | Def. Rtg. | eFG% | O.Reb.% | TO% | FTR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orlando | 101.5 | 106.9 | 111.9 | 55.2 | 27.7 | 17.6 | 22.1 |
| Atlanta | 106.0 | 110.4 | 100.9 | 53.9 | 12.8 | 8.5 | 26.7 |
OMD Prediction
The Orlando Magic were a little bit sour with their performance in the opener against the Detroit Pistons, despite all the history that they made. They knew that they lost the game because of their own mistakes and miscues. Their fouling and turnovers let the Pistons back into the game and eventually made it too difficult for them to come back.
To be sure, the Magic are not going to be able to get away with the same mistakes if they want to beat a much more solid Atlanta Hawks team. The Hawks thrive in transition and pounce on these mistakes with their ability to create confusion on the break to free up Trae Young and their ability to get to the line.
The Magic are a capable team defensively. But they cannot get in their own way in this one. This is part of the growth the Magic want to see overall.
3 Keys To Watch
Defending without fouling
The Orlando Magic have been beating this drum throughout the preseason and regular season. The team has to do a better job of defending without fouling. They feel very confident with their defensive potential and defensive principles, but they are struggling to finish possessions or stay disciplined not to reach.
The fourth quarter of Wednesday’s game was especially difficult for the Magic defensively on that front. Orlando committed seven fouls for nine free throw attempts in the fourth quarter. The Pistons made as many field goals (seven) as free throws (seven) in the fourth quarter.
That speaks to how good the Magic’s defense really was in the fourth quarter and how much the team gave away opportunities at the foul line.
When coach Jamahl Mosley was asked how they correct the problem after practice Thursday, he simply said they just have to stop reaching. Simple enough.
Paolo vs. Dejounte
One of the fun storylines from the offseason was Paolo Banchero and Dejounte Murray getting into it at one of the pro-ams the Seattle natives played during the offseason in the Seattle area. Both played really well in their respective games. But for whatever reason, Murray took offense to something the rookie did and everyone was confused why Murray was going at the rookie.
Nevertheless, both Banchero and Murray had really strong debuts with their teams.
Banchero obviously had his historic 27-point outing in his debut game in the NBA. Murray was really solid in the Atlanta Hawks’ 117-107 win over the Houston Rockets, scoring 20 points and 11 assists on 8-for-19 shooting. He did a good job getting out in transition and applying defensive pressure for the Hawks as they felt their way through that first game.
Where is Cole Anthony?
Cole Anthony was a late scratch from the Orlando Magic’s loss to the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday thanks to an illness. He was definitely missed.
While Jalen Suggs did a decent job manning the point, it left the team very thin at point guard and Franz Wagner struggled initially filling the backup ball-handling minutes. Orlando turned to R.J. Hampton in the second half and were noticeably more settled down.
The Magic would have fared a whole lot better with Anthony out on the floor. He was missed. And his status for this game is still up in the air. The Magic are listing Anthony as QUESTIONABLE with that illness that kept him out. He is a game-time decision following shootaround.
While Anthony may not give the Magic the same presence defensively. They need his stability offensively as the team tries to figure out how to man these point guard minutes for the moment.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.