The Atlanta Hawks will go head-to-head with the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference’s 7/8 Play-In game on Tuesday, April 16, 2025, at 7:30 PM ET. This crucial game will decide who grabs the No. 7 seed for the playoffs, while the team that falls short will still have a shot at qualifying by taking on the winner of the 9/10 matchup later in the week.
Atlanta Hawks
Record: 40-42 (8th in the Eastern Conference)
Head Coach: Quin Snyder
Key Players:
Trae Young (PG): A versatile scorer and playmaker, currently averaging more than 26 points and 10 assists each game this season.
Clint Capela (C): A powerful presence in the paint, making an impact with rebounds and guarding the rim.
Onyeka Okongwu (C): He recently demonstrated his skills with an impressive performance, scoring 30 points and grabbing 14 rebounds against the Magic.
Caris LeVert (SG): A dependable shooter who can generate his own scoring opportunities and offer solid defense on the perimeter.
The Hawks have leaned on their strong offense this season, wrapping up with an offensive rating of 113.7. On the other side, their defense has raised some eyebrows, giving up 114.9 points per 100 possessions to their rivals. One positive note for Atlanta has been their bench, which has performed well, coming in second in the league with an average of 43.5 points per game throughout the season.
Orlando Magic
Record: 41-41 (7th in the Eastern Conference)
Head Coach: Jamahl Mosley
Key Players:
Paolo Banchero (PF): The emerging star and team captain is scoring more than 20 points per game. He recently had an impressive game against Atlanta, racking up 33 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.
Franz Wagner (SF): A flexible forward who adds value both as a scorer and a playmaker.
Wendell Carter Jr. (C): A strong player in the paint who stands out in grabbing rebounds and scoring close to the basket.
Cole Anthony (PG): A bench player who can light it up and score quickly.
The Magic have shown impressive balance this season, boasting an offensive rating of 109.0 that matches their defensive rating. Their young talent and adaptable defense are key strengths, but they’ve faced challenges in getting steady contributions from the bench since Moe Wagner got hurt.
Key Matchups
Trae Young vs. Orlando’s Perimeter Defense
Young’s ability to manage the tempo and generating chances for both himself and his teammates will be crucial. The Magic are expected to use Jalen Suggs and Gary Harris to throw him off his game.
Paolo Banchero vs. Onyeka Okongwu
This clash of rising talents might decide the result. Banchero’s ability to score in various ways will put Okongwu’s defensive skills to the test.
Bench Scoring
Atlanta’s bench has been on fire lately, putting up more than 43 points per game, while Orlando’s second unit has had a tough time, averaging just over 33 points per game in that same stretch.
Game Plan for Victory
Atlanta Hawks
Increase the tempo to take advantage of their offensive efficiency.
Utilize Trae Young’s skills to create open shots for players like Caris LeVert.
Minimize turnovers, as Orlando excels at turning mistakes into fast-break chances.
Orlando Magic
Concentrate on defense to keep Trae Young in check and make the other players on the team take charge.
Control the rebounds with Banchero and Carter Jr. to minimize Atlanta’s second-chance points.
Use Franz Wagner as an additional ball-handler to ease the load on Cole Anthony.
This game is likely to be a close one, considering the strengths and weaknesses of both teams. The Hawks’ strong offense will face off against Orlando’s solid defense, promising an exciting matchup.
Sports Betting Ace’s Final Score Prediction: Orlando Magic 114 – Atlanta Hawks 109
The Magic’s advantage at home, along with their flexible defense and the standout skills of Paolo Banchero, should provide them with a small upper hand against an Atlanta squad that has a tough time defending under pressure. Look for Banchero to shine again, helping Orlando clinch the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.