From Atlanta Hawks On SI · · 2m
Hawks vs Magic: First Night Test
Atlanta Hawks aim to extend their win streak against Orlando Magic with key matchups and injuries.
In brief
Atlanta Hawks aim to extend their win streak against Orlando Magic with key matchups and injuries. Atlanta Hawks seek to extend their five-game win streak against Orlando Magic despite injuries and defensive challenges. Originally reported by Atlanta Hawks On SI.
Hawks Back After Sweep
Atlanta Hawks return after sweeping all four games last season to extend their win streak to five tonight.
Orlando's Offensive Threat
Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are both formidable scorers when on, with Wagner being more versatile and central to Orlando's offense.
Hawks' Offseason Additions
Atlanta added Lu Dort, Aaron Wiggins, and Kingston Flemings to deepen their roster for tonight's game.
Key Players for Hawks
CJ McCollum and Jock Landale are expected to carve out indispensable roles as the third starting guard and backup center.
Physical Game Expected
The game will be extremely physical and defensively-oriented, with the final outcome depending on last few shots.
Banchero's Contract Year
Paolo Banchero's rookie max contract kicks in this season after a disappointing 2025-26 campaign.
Banchero's Stats
Banchero shot 30.5% from deep on 3.8 attempts per game last season with a career-high 56.6% shooting and 8.4 rebounds.
Banchero's Defense
Orlando's defense improved slightly without Banchero, but he's been a great defender on Jalen Johnson.
Johnson's Challenge
Banchero held Johnson to 11.6 points, 2.8 assists, and 3.6 turnovers per 75 minutes over three seasons.
Orlando's Perimeter Defense
Orlando was 4th in three-point attempts conceded and 3rd in three-point makes conceded per game last season.
Atlanta's Bench Impact
Kingston Flemings and Aaron Wiggins could provide quality looks off the bench with Flemings' processing speed and Wiggins' preseason potential.
Hawks' Fast Pace
Atlanta averaged the third-most points on fast-break opportunities and points off turnovers last season.
Orlando's Turnover Defense
Orlando conceded the eighth-highest amount of points on the fast break but gave up the eighth-fewest points off turnovers.
Injury Report
Mo Gueye (left foot) and Henri Veesaar (right ACL) are out for tonight, with Anthony Black and Noah Penda also injured.
Projected Starters
Atlanta's starters include CJ McCollum, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu.
What it means
Atlanta Hawks seek to extend their five-game win streak against Orlando Magic despite injuries and defensive challenges.
