Hawks Aim for Third Straight Win Against Struggling Magic

ATLANTA, Ga. — The Atlanta Hawks seek to extend their winning streak to three games as they take on the Orlando Magic tonight at the Amway Center. Both teams recently announced their starting lineups amidst varying season fortunes.

The Hawks, featuring star guard Trae Young, have bounced back from an eight-game losing streak to secure two consecutive victories. They currently stand eighth in the Eastern Conference with a 25-28 record. Their starting five tonight includes Young at guard alongside Dyson Daniels, forward Zaccharie Risacher, forward Mouhamed Gueye, and center Onyeka Okongwu.

Meanwhile, the Magic, who have struggled defensively despite a strong start to the season, have lost 10 out of their last 13 games. At eighth place in the East, the Magic will rely on their starting unit: Cole Anthony, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Goga Bitadze.

The Hawks have shown improvement after the trade deadline, with Young leading the team in scoring and assists. He is averaging 23.5 points per game, although he is shooting a career-low 40.9 percent from the floor. “I’ve had to adjust my game to get others involved, and that’s what I’m focusing on,” Young said.

Orlando’s recent woes can largely be attributed to their offensive inefficiencies—as they rank last in the NBA in points per game (PPG) and field goal percentage (FG%). Coach Jamahl Mosley noted, “We need to find a way to generate better looks, especially with injuries affecting our depth.” Currently, the Magic are without Jalen Suggs and Moritz Wagner, while Mac McClung remains day-to-day.

Statistically, the Hawks boast decent numbers with 110.9 offensive rating, ranking 21st in points per 100 possessions. However, they remain significantly challenged on defense, sitting 26th in points allowed per game. Conversely, the Magic rank second in PPG allowed but struggle offensively with the lowest FG% in the league.

This game is crucial for both teams, with the Hawks wanting to solidify their playoff positioning and the Magic aiming to reverse their downward trend. The winner will gain a half-game lead over the other for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Both teams have experienced recent lineup changes, but consistency will be key.

The game is set to tip off at 9 p.m. ET, and viewers can catch the action through various streaming options including NBA League Pass and local broadcasts.