The Orlando Magic host the Atlanta Hawks, Tuesday April 19th, for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Quarter Finals. The Hawks have a 1-0 lead in the best of seven series, and have won four straight over the Magic. NBA oddsmakers have the Magic as -9.5 point home favourites over the Hawks with the over/under set at 183.5 points. Be sure to check the Hawks vs Magic NBA Point Spreads and get your predictions in early.
Atlanta (1-0) won game 1, 103-93 in Orlando, and their winning formula in the series opener was hot outside shooting, keeping their turnovers down and withstanding the Magic's runs. They shot 58% from the field and Magic’s Coach Van Gundy said. "They really had their way with us. And we've got to be a lot better defensively, no matter what we do offensively. "If we're going to have to score 105 or 106 points every night to win, then we're gonna be in trouble." The Hawks aren't likely to shoot close to 60% for most of Game 2, but they say they aren't relying on that. Jamal Crawford, who had 23 points in Game 1, said it wasn't an anomaly that they shot so well. He said if they don't do that again, Plan B isn't complex. "Just to continue to do it with five guys," he said. "Continue to make the right play giving up good shots for great shots. That's why we shot such a high percentage. Guys passed up some good shots but we got great shots in the long run, we worked the clock well. We will continue to do things well that were successful for us."
Orlando (0-1) focuses on a defense that’s designed to close out opponent's shooters on the perimeter and force them into the paint where they have to deal with Dwight Howard. The Magic didn't succeed at either, and now they say it's a must to even the series in Game 2. "Our whole focus has been on protect the paint and they haven't been looking to get to the rim a whole lot," Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said. Van Gundy said containing perimeter jump shots and the Hawks mid-range shots are their biggest concerns. He said he counted only eight layups for the Hawks in Game 1. For the game, Atlanta scored only 36 of their 103 points in the paint, but became the first opponent in 16 consecutive postseason games to score 100 points against the Magic. Dwight Howard said Orlando's efforts will be put into making the Hawks find another way to beat them. "It's not our goal to let guys who can shoot the ball well shoot it," Howard said. "We want to make them do something else. Jamal Crawford, he shot a lot of jump shots, we didn't force him to get to the basket and finish. The same thing with Joe Johnson, it was either floater from far away or a jump shot. "So we've gotta make those guys do different things."
Recent Trends to Consider:
Hawks are 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
Under is 19-7 in the last 26 meetings.
Under is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in Orlando.
Road team is 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings.
Underdog is 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
Hawks are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a S.U. win.
Hawks are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS win.
Hawks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 2 days rest.
Magic are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
Magic are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games as a home favorite.
Magic are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games playing on 2 days rest.
Hawks vs Magic
When: Tuesday, April 19, 7:30 PM ET
Pick: Hawks +9.5
Point-Spreads.com recommends you check out NBA Point Spreads before Hawks vs Magic game.
The Bottom Line: The Hawks know how to beat the Magic, like they have four straight. Why the Magic are 9.5 favourites is mind boggling. Be sure to check Hawks vs Magic Basketball Point Spreads and get your predictions in early.
