The Orlando Magic will face the Atlanta Hawks again on November 4. This matchup marks the second meeting this season, but this time, the Hawks are without their star guard, Trae Young, who is recovering from a knee injury. Young’s absence is expected to last several weeks, placing the Hawks in a challenging position as they aim to secure a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Current Standings and Recent Performances
Atlanta previously defeated Orlando this season, giving them an edge with a 3-4 overall record. Despite some challenges, the Hawks managed to beat the Indiana Pacers in NBA Cup Group Play, although they recently suffered a defeat to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The team hopes to improve their standing against the Magic, particularly as they fight for positioning in the Southeast Division.
The Magic have shown resilience after starting the season with a 1-4 record. They have since achieved back-to-back victories over the Charlotte Hornets and Washington Wizards, bringing their record to 2-2 against the spread on the road. With a fully healthy roster, Orlando enters as the favored team against a depleted Hawks lineup.
Injury Report
- Orlando Magic: No significant injuries reported.
- Atlanta Hawks: Trae Young (knee) – out for multiple weeks.
Key Players to Watch
One of the standout players for the Hawks is Jalen Johnson. He has emerged as a pivotal figure, especially in Young’s absence. Johnson was previously regarded as a strong candidate for the Most Improved Player award. His current averages sit at 21.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game.
In the previous matchup against Orlando, Johnson played limited minutes due to an ankle injury, scoring 12 points and grabbing eight rebounds. However, in recent games, he has significantly increased his output, consistently putting up impressive numbers and gathering substantial minutes on the court.
Odds and Predictions
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Magic are favored to win this matchup with a moneyline of -162. The ongoing performance of Jalen Johnson will be crucial for the Hawks, especially after he scored 23 points and collected 13 rebounds in the recent loss to Cleveland.
Despite Orlando’s previous loss to Atlanta this season, the absence of Trae Young is a considerable factor. Atlanta’s struggle without their star may lead to increased challenges in offensive execution. As a result, bettors might lean towards the Magic to capitalize on this situation.
Conclusion
Given the current dynamics and performances, the Orlando Magic appear primed to take the win against the Atlanta Hawks. Watch for Jalen Johnson’s contributions, but ultimately, Orlando looks strong in this matchup.
