Orlando Magic vs Atlanta Hawks Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 09/11/2023, 08:25  by Joseph King | Modified on 09/11/2023 at 09:10 in NBA Predictions

The second and final game of Thursday’s NBA double-header sees the sixth-placed Orlando Magic taking on the fifth-place Atlanta Hawks. These two teams will face off at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City as one of the NBA’s two international games this season. The Magic have experienced a positive start to the 2023/24 campaign after finishing last season in 13th-place. They’re currently sitting above .500 with a 4-3 record and have shown signs that they might be ready to challenge for a play-in spot. The Magic are coming off two consecutive home games which they split 1-1. They ran out 120-101 underdog winners over the LA Lakers before falling 117-102 to the high-flying Mavericks on Monday. Orlando are underdogs once as they gear up for their meeting with the Hawks at this neutral venue. The Magic’s positive results this season have been fueled by their solid defensive displays. The team’s 105.4 points per game allowed on average is the third best mark in the NBA.

After an 0-2 start to the season, the Hawks bounced back with an excellent four game winning streak. They recorded some impressive wins during that stretch, downing the likes of the Bucks, Timberwolves and Pelicans, three teams with a combined 14-8 record. However, a 126-117 away defeat to the OKC Thunder on Monday saw that run come to an end. The Hawks will now attempt to bounce back in Mexico as they play their first NBA Global Game since London in 2014. Despite being only one game over .500, Atlanta looks to be improved over the team that finished with a 41-41 record and the seventh-seed last year. Dejounte Murray is playing the best basketball of his career and they’re still winning games despite Trae Young shooting poorly to start the year.