Atlanta Hawks vs. Orlando Magic: Predictions, Starting Lineups (11/9/23)
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Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks (4-3) battle the Orlando Magic (4-3) this Thursday (11/9/23). Get Hawks vs. Magic moneyline and spread odds, as well as predictions, starting lineups, injuries, and key matchup below.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Orlando Magic Prediction
Atlanta’s offense is booming at the moment; they rank fourth in Offensive Rating and lead the NBA in adjusted offensive shot quality (per ShotQuality). In other words, their offensive success is sustainable and not due to a lucky shooting streak. It’s quite the opposite actually, as Trae Young owns horrendous 33/27/89 shooting splits that will only regress to the mean.
The Hawks lead the league in transition frequency, so they will push the pace against Orlando’s big men. It wouldn’t be an issue with Wendell Carter Jr on the court due to his mobility, but he’s out for this game. Atlanta can subsequently take advantage of Goga Bitadze and frequently hold the numbers advantage. Jalen Johnson’s breakout adds yet another playmaker for Atlanta too, which allows them to initiate the outlet pass at a higher rate. Plus, Orlando won’t have Gary Harris’ perimeter defense in this contest because he is out with an injury.
On the other end, Dejounte Murray is a suffocating point-of-attack defender and off-ball chaser that can help neutralize a Magic team that ranks tenth in pick-and-roll handler frequency. Jalen Johnson’s size and explosiveness will hold up well against Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero’s isolation scoring too. Atlanta’s defense remains a work in progress, but they are better equipped to handle the Magic than vice versa.
Finally, Atlanta can win the bench battle here. Bogdanovic, Bey, and Okongwu are over-qualified role players that each fill a need, whether it’s playmaking, spacing, screening and rolling, or interior defense. Orlando’s injuries have reduced their bench’s impact, so Atlanta holds the edge.
Overall, the Hawks should prevail in a close game here. Meanwhile, Young is a dynamic playmaker who has hit eight assists in every contest so far. It would be surprising if he falls short of the mark.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Orlando Magic Prediction: SGP – Hawks moneyline & Trae Young 8+ Assists (-119 FD)
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Atlanta Hawks vs. Orlando Magic Best Odds
The visiting Hawks enter this matchup as 3.5 point favorites over the injured Magic. For Orlando’s +140 moneyline to be profitable in the long run, they need to win this game about 42 percent of the time. It’s worth noting that Atlanta has won nine of the past eleven matchups between these teams.
Atlanta Hawks Starting Lineup
PG: Trae Young
SG: Dejounte Murray
SF: De’Andre Hunter
PF: Jalen Johnson
C: Clint Capela
Orlando Magic Starting Lineup
PG: Markelle Fultz
SG: Jalen Suggs
SF: Franz Wagner
PF: Paolo Banchero
C: Goga Bitadze
Atlanta Hawks vs. Orlando Magic Injuries
Wesley Matthews, Kobe Bufkin and Mouhamed Gueye will all miss this contest for Atlanta. Meanwhile, Wendell Carter Jr, Gary Harris, and Kevon Harris hold the same status for Orlando. In addition, Markelle Fultz is questionable, and Jonathan Isaac is probable.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Orlando Magic Key Matchups
Trae Young Shooting
Young owns a terrible 33.6 FG% and 27.3 3PT% to start the season. He has been an inconsistent shooter throughout his career, but these marks are a new low. The Hawks have dominated offensively despite Young’s shooting woes, but they would reach sustained excellence if Young can find his stroke. Otherwise, the Hawks are constantly at risk of crumbling if Dejounte Murray has a poor night.
Franz Wagner Shooting
Like Young, Magic forward Franz Wagner has also gotten off to a slow efficiency start. He’s averaging 18.7 points on poor 39/32/84 shooting splits after producing 48/36/84 splits last season. His struggles are a huge reason behind why Orlando ranks 21st in Offensive Rating. If Wagner’s shot continues to fail him, then it’s unlikely that the Magic can match Atlanta’s prolific offense.
