Magic Eye Upset Over Hawks in High-Stakes Play-In Showdown

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando Magic enter a pivotal Play-In Tournament game against the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday, seeking to secure a spot in the playoffs after a challenging season defined by injuries.

Head Coach Jamahl Mosley, who has two decades of NBA experience, described the season as “a very strange season” due to multiple significant injuries to key players including Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs. These setbacks altered the Magic’s trajectory, forcing adjustments throughout the year.

“It feels like seven seasons in one,” Mosley said. The team’s struggle culminated in a 41-41 record, landing them a Play-In game against the Hawks (40-42). The winner will advance to face the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics in the first playoff round.

Last year, the Magic secured the East’s fifth seed with a 47-win season but now find themselves in a must-win scenario. Wagner noted that although they faced pressure this season, it has been part of their growth. “Injuries were a big part of our struggles this year, and… the biggest thing is that we stuck together,” he said.

On the court, the Magic must overcome their shooting difficulties. They finished the regular season ranked 27th in offensive rating, last in both 3-point percentage and makes. However, they managed to shoot 41 percent from beyond the arc in their recent win over the Hawks.

Caldwell-Pope, a vital free-agent acquisition, had struggled with his shot earlier in the season but has improved following the All-Star break, making 44 percent of his attempts since then. Banchero highlighted Caldwell-Pope’s importance, saying, “When he’s knocking down shots, it opens everything up.”

Historically, the Hawks have posed a challenge for the Magic. Atlanta defeated Orlando 112-106 in February, despite an outstanding performance from Wagner who scored 37 points. They narrowly lost to the Hawks again last week, winning 119-112 in a tightly contested match that featured multiple lead changes.

As Tuesday’s game approaches, the Magic’s ability to respond to the Hawks, led by Trae Young, will be crucial. Young has recorded an impressive 28.3 points and 8 assists per game against Orlando this season, making him a formidable opponent.

Wagner described the Play-In game as a “do-or-die”. With everything on the line, both teams will look to assert their dominance in the first-ever Play-In match-up.

Should the Magic secure a victory, they will move forward to face the Celtics, marking a critical step in their quest to progress in the playoffs.