The Atlanta Hawks (1-0) will host the Orlando Magic (0-1) on Friday. The Hawks took care of business against the Rockets to open the season.
2022-23 Campaign
Atlanta has high hopes for the 2022-2023 campaign and will look to improve to 2-0 against Orlando. The Magic held their own against the Pistons in their opener but ultimately fell short.
The Magic’s future is bright with Paolo Banchero in the mix, but this will likely still be a rebuilding year for them.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM EST at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, GA. Let’s take a look at the Magic vs Hawks betting odds.
Magic and Hawks’ Last Records
The Magic’s NBA schedule to open the season is challenging, with back-to-back road contests against good teams. Orlando’s odds of upsetting Atlanta aren’t very high, but there is always the possibility of an upset.
Magic Record
The Magic narrowly lost against the Pistons, who drastically improved their roster over the offseason. So the Magic shouldn’t be ruled out on Friday. Their youthful roster could surprise some people this year.
Hawks Record
The Hawks defeated the rebuilding Rockets by 10 points. Atlanta’s home victory to kick off the season was exactly how they wanted to begin the 2022-2023 campaign. Atlanta will be a sneaky contender in the East this season.
The Hawks will aim for similar results against the Magic. Let’s take a closer look at the Magic vs Hawks betting odds.
Matchup Information
- Time: 7:30 PM EST
- State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
- How to watch: BSS, BSFL
Orlando Magic vs. Atlanta Hawks Betting Analysis
Orlando Magic
Paolo Banchero was the main storyline for Orlando in Game 1 of the season. He finished with an astounding 27 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and two steals in his NBA debut!
NBA Debut
It was a terrific, LeBron James-esque NBA debut effort for Banchero. It will be interesting to see how he follows up on his outstanding performance.
Jalen Saggs added 21 points, while Franz Wagner scored 20 points. Wendell Carter Jr also posted an 11 and 11 double-double for the Magic.
In the end, Orlando fans don’t expect much from this roster. But there is some intriguing young talent other than Banchero on the roster.
Cole Anthony’s Inactivity
Cole Anthony, who was inactive, is another young player with a high ceiling. As aforementioned, the Magic are listed as underdogs according to most sportsbooks.
Their NBA player stats don’t bold well for any of their NBA matchups, but an upset on the spread cannot be ruled out.
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks played an extremely balanced brand of basketball to open the year. Atlanta had four starters finish with 20 or more points in their win over the Rockets.
Dejounte Murray shined in his Hawks debut with:
- 20 points
- 11 assists
- five steals
- five rebounds
Trae Young added 23 points and 13 assists, while John Collins led Atlanta with 24 points.
NBA Team Stats
Murray and Young’s points/assists numbers are incredible. They were involved in the majority of the Hawks’ scoring opportunities. Their NBA team stats were jaw-dropping.
If this duo continues to play as they did in the season opener, the Hawks will be a problem in the East. As we have already established, the Hawks are home favorites against the Magic. But can they cover the lofty spread?
Orlando Magic vs. Atlanta Hawks Betting Preview
According to the majority of sportsbooks, the Hawks are listed around 8-9 point betting favorites. Covering a spread like that isn’t easy since starters don’t play at the end of blowout games.
Nevertheless, the Hawks’ talent may prove to be too much for Orlando to get within 10 points.
Orlando Magic vs. Atlanta Hawks Betting Prediction
After reviewing the Magic vs Hawks betting odds, which team should you place your money on?
Orlando has more upset potential than one may imagine. Their young core of players provides excitement and energy.
Hawks’ Big Three
But the Hawks’ big three of Murray, Young, and Collins will lead Atlanta to a big win. And their overall roster depth will help ultimately seal the deal.
Don’t be surprised if Murray and Young finish with point-assist double-doubles again. Go ahead and take the Atlanta Hawks with your NBA Friday night betting selection.
NBA Pick: Hawks -9 (-110)
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