The Orlando Magic host the Atlanta Hawks, Saturday April 16th, in game 1 of the Eastern Conference Quarter Finals. The Hawks have won three straight over the Magic. NBA oddsmakers have the Magic as -8.5 point home favourites over the Hawks with the over/under set at 179 points. Be sure to check the Hawks vs Magic NBA Point Spreads and get your predictions in early.
Atlanta (20-21 V) enters the playoffs on a low losing six of their final ten games and losing four of their last five away from home. The Hawks average 95ppg on the road while allowing 95.8ppg. In their last five games their averaging 90ppg while allowing 104ppg. Portions of the season for the Hawks have been mystifying. They have had multiple long winning and losing streaks, and finished the season on a decided downturn, going just 14-20 during the months of February, March, and April (and finished the season on a six game losing streak). Atlanta finished the season as the only team in the league to have a winning record despite being outscored on the year (the only other postseason participant to be outscored over the course of the season is the Indiana Pacers, and they have a losing record). The Hawks get decent balance on the offensive end, using an attack that features Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, and Al Horford doing the heavy lifting in the starting lineup while Jamal Crawford provides quick points off the bench.
Orlando (29-12 H) makes their playoff run winning six of their final ten games and winning four of their final five on home court. The Magic average 99.2ppg at home while allowing 90.2ppg. In their last five games their averaging 95ppg while allowing 87ppg. MVP candidate Dwight Howard is still present, and is having one of the best seasons of his career, but their attack has seemed stale. Defensively, Orlando is still one of the best teams in the league, rated in the top five in both defensive rating (3rd) and opponents’ points per game (4th), but a relatively weak offense that leaves Magic fans wondering if they have any chance for postseason success. The Magic will attempt to reclaim some of the good feelings they had two short years ago when they went to the NBA Finals. They have a much better chance now, with Hedo Turkoglu, and added others (Gilbert Arenas, Jason Richardson) who over the course of the year have jumpstarted a relatively mediocre offense.
Recent Trends to Consider:
Hawks are 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Orlando.
Under is 19-7 in the last 26 meetings.
Hawks are 2-5 ATS in the last 7 meetings in Orlando.
Underdog is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
Magic are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
Magic are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 vs. Eastern Conference.
Magic are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 Conference Quarterfinals games.
Magic are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 playoff games as a favorite.
Hawks vs Magic
When: Saturday, April 16, 7:00 PM ET
Pick: Magic -8.5
Point-Spreads.com recommends you check out NBA Point Spreads before Hawks vs Magic game.
The Bottom Line: These two teams know each other well, and they Hawks can easily cover. Be sure to check Hawks vs Magic Basketball Point Spreads and get your predictions in early.
