Atlanta Hawks vs Orlando Magic Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 17/01/2024, 05:59  by Joseph King | Modified on 17/01/2024 at 05:59 in NBA Predictions

Wednesday in the NBA sees an Eastern Conference matchup as the struggling 11th-place Atlanta Hawks host the eighth-placed Orlando Magic. The Hawks are sinking further and further down the standings with a run of just four wins in their last 10 games. They were able to pull out a win in their most recent outing, however, securing a 109-99 victory over the lowly Spurs. Trae Young drilled six three-pointers as his 36 points led the way for his team. The Hawks have had no trouble putting up points (rank fourth in points per game) but their inability to stop teams from scoring has been the main culprit in their struggles this year. Atlanta is giving up the second most points per game at 123.5, behind only the Washington Wizards. Their 99 points allowed vs the Spurs was the first time they had held a team to under 100 points this season.Odf

The Magic come to town looking to get back into the race for a top six spot in the standings. A recent slump of 4-6 in their last 10 has the Magic sitting eighth with a record of 22-18. However, stringing together a few victories will see them right back in the thick of things as they trail the fourth-place Heat by only two games in the congested East. Orlando is coming off a gritty 98-94 away win over the New York Knicks, snapping a previous three-game losing streak. The win was an example of the type of classic defensive performance which the Magic have become accustomed to. The Magic have one of the best defenses in the entire NBA, ranking third in adjusted defensive rating and giving up the fourth–fewest points at 111.2.