What to watch when Magic host Hawks for NBA playoff spot
What to watch when Magic host Hawks for NBA playoff spot
The Magic and Hawks met four times in the regular season, including Sunday's finale at Kia Center.
Thanks to the NBA Play-In Tournament, the Southeast Division foes will have met three times in just seven days when it's all said and done.
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Atlanta won the first meeting Feb. 10 on the road. That night, Franz Wagner (37) and Paolo Banchero (21) combined for 58 points but no other member of the Magic finished in double figures.
Led by 19 points from All-NBA guard Trae Young, the Hawks had five double-digit scorers and five more reach at least 8 points.
Ten days later in the first game out of the All-Star break, the Magic returned the favor at State Farm Arena.
Orlando once again got big performances from Banchero (36 points) and Wagner (25), but this time the duo had help from Wendell Carter Jr. (9 points, 15 rebounds), Cole Anthony (17 points, 3 steals) and Anthony Black (10 points, 2 blocks).
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This past week, the Magic kept their foot on the pedal and secured the regular season series against Atlanta with a high-scoring home win.
Four of Orlando's starters posted 15 points or more, including Banchero who totaled a game-high 33. The Magic propelled themselves ahead thanks to a key second quarter and shot 50% from the field.
3 things to watch:
1. Supporting cast
The stars are sure to shine at Kia Center between Banchero, Wagner and Young.
Ultimately the success of their teams rides on their performances and slowing them down won't be easy.
Rotation players such as veteran guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope for Orlando and No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher for Atlanta could tilt the contest one way or the other.
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Entering the final two games of the regular season, the Magic were 9-3 when Caldwell-Pope scored 15 points or more. The Hawks were 7-1 when Risacher crossed 20 points.
2. Long-range shooting
Entering the final weekend of the regular season, the Hawks shot 35.7% from 3-point range. The Magic were a league-low 31.6%.
Atlanta, however, has a stronger chance at performing above their season average from distance by comparison.
The Hawks shot 40% or better 27 times from downtown and went 19-8 in those instances. The Magic shot 40% or better only 12 times and went 9-3.
Led by Young, who averaged 8.4 attempts in the regular season, the Hawks could have upper hand from 3.
3. Possession battle
In what could be a low-scoring physical contest, taking care of the ball will be key.
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The Hawks average the fifth-most turnovers (15.5) while the Magic are middle of the pack at No. 16 league-wide (14.1).
Atlanta turned the ball over at least 18 times in 22 games and it was 6-16 when that happened. Orlando only had 12 such instances with 18-plus turnovers and was 4-8.
Jason Beede can be reached at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com
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