1 advantage the Orlando Magic have over each Play-In competitor

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ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 19: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks drives against Markelle Fultz #20 of the Orlando Magic during the third quarter at State Farm Arena on December 19, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

One advantage the Orlando Magic have over Play-In competitors

Atlanta Hawks: Better scoring on the wing

It is no secret the Atlanta Hawks have a dynamic backcourt that can put the ball in the hoop (and they will let you know about it afterward).

But it is also no secret the Orlando Magic have two wings who will look to do the same. And with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner both standing at 6-foot-10, the Hawks will have trouble matching up with both of them. Especially after downgrading their size in trading John Collins and going with smaller more versatile wings.

Atlanta has generally struggled defensively. It has not been since 2017 that the Hawks finished a season better than 18th in defensive rating, including last season when they ranked 22nd.

Yes, Dejounte Murray is an All-Defensive selection from years past but he will not match up against Franz Wagner or Paolo Banchero on a regular basis. And if you are coach Jamahl Mosley, you are going to put Jalen Suggs and Cole Anthony out there to swarm the backcourt.

Both Dejounte Murray and Trae Young had good runs against the Magic last year — 21.3 points per game and 6.0 assists per game and 27.8 points and 14.0 assists per game respectively. But Banchero and Wagner did fine too — 19.5 points per game, 6.0 rebounds per game and 5.0 assists per game for Banchero and 18.3 points and 5.0 rebounds per game for Wagner.

The Magic competed with the Hawks, scoring a 50-point first quarter in a win in Orlando and nearly erasing a late 12-point deficit before Murray bailed the Hawks out by drawing a foul on Banchero in a December meeting in Atlanta.

Now could Clint Capela present rim protection that stifles Orlando’s efficiency around the basket? Potentially. But with another year under their belt, the Magic will be able to adjust to the physicality.

And there might be something brewing with this matchup in the upcoming season.

Last time we saw these teams on the same court the Hawks won 116-115 with the backdrop of the offseason “beef” between Murray and Banchero.

So it is not hard to imagine this being one of the more interesting matchups in the years to come.

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