by Chuck Sommers
Wednesday, Dec 22, 2021
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Venue: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
Where to watch: NBA TV
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: Hawks -8.5
BetMGM: Hawks -7.5
Caesars: Hawks -7.5
Season record
Magic: 6-25 (14th place, Eastern Conference)
Hawks: 14-15 (11th place, Eastern Conference)
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Magic - Hawks preview and analysis
Recent form
Magic: won 100-93 at Nets on Saturday
Hawks: lost three of four; lost 133-115 on Friday
The Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks can’t escape COVID either ahead of Wednesday’s matchup at State Farm Arena.
The Hawks are already down a number of key players, including starters Trae Young, Danilo Gallinari and Clint Capela. Now, the Magic have to weave through the waters with Mo Bamba, R.J. Hampton, Terrence Ross and Mo Wagner all being placed in protocol on Wednesday morning.
Atlanta is still 8-point favorites at some books heading into this matchup, and it’s not hard to see why. You look at the talent discrepancy and the Hawks can still win games against inferior teams. But not having the likes of Young and Capela, one of the best pick-and-roll duos in the league, certainly hurts.
"That's always a surprise, but it's been happening a lot in the league, where guys are coming in and testing and having to go into protocol," Atlanta coach Nate McMillan said after the news on Young. "That was a bit of a surprise for us. ... Everybody has to step up and be ready to go."
But Atlanta has lost three of four after losing by 18 last Friday to the Denver Nuggets at home. That was despite Young going for 34 points and 10 assists, while John Collins had 20 points and 10 rebounds. Capela even had 15 and 11 boards.
But the Hawks’ defense just died that night. The Nuggets shot 58.1 percent and had four players score at least 20 points, led by Bones Hyland’s 24 on 8 of 11 shootings. Nikola Jokicc had 20 points to go with 10 rebounds and seven assists, and Monte Morris had 21 points.
The Magic have a lot to be excited about having won a game and all the other day, but the Magic did what they were supposed to do. A shorthanded Brooklyn Nets team without any of the Big Three available should always lead to an Orlando win. Robin Lopez had 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Gary Harris also had 17 points.
"The one thing we've said from Day One when we talk about him is how he has a very high basketball IQ," Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley said of Harris. "The fact that he knows when to make the right plays, the right decision."
Prediction
Magic guard Cole Anthony (ankle) and big man Wendell Carter Jr. (lower leg) are questionable to play. If they are a go, which seems like a solid call at this point, don’t be shocked to see the Magic keep this close. The Hawks being down 60 percent of their starting lineup is not a fun look, and I think the Magic win this one. Magic by 6
Betting trends
The Magic are 0-6 ATS against division opponents this season.
The Magic are 6-8 ATS in their last 14 off an upset win.
The Hawks are 30-18 ATS as a home favorite over the past three seasons.
Projected starting lineup
Magic:
PG: Cole Anthony
SG: Gary Harris
SF: Franz Wagner
PF: Wendell Carter Jr.
C: Robin Lopez
SF: Franz Wagner
PF: Wendell Carter Jr.
C: Robin Lopez
Hawks:
PG: Delon Wright
SG: Lou Williams
SF: Kevin Huerter
PF: John Collins
C: Omyeka Okongwu
SF: Kevin Huerter
PF: John Collins
C: Omyeka Okongwu
Key injuries
Magic: Mo Bamba (COVID, out), R.J. Hampton (out), Terrence Ross (COVID, out), Mo Wagner (COVID, out)
Hawks: Trae Young (COVID, out), Bogdan Bogdanovic (ankle, probable), De’Andre Hunter (wrist, out), Danilo Gallinari (COVID, out), Clint Capela (COVID, out)
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Chuck Sommers
About the Author:
Chuck Sommers has camped outside of sportsbooks since he can remember, learning the tricks and nuances of the trade. He still has nightmares of betting $5,000 on the Raiders in the Tuck Rule game but has since turned that to 25 years of veteran handicapping greatness. You can find him mostly in the shadows at the Red Rock or Aliante casinos wondering if the over is cashing on any given Sunday.
