Atlanta Hawks vs. Orlando Magic Top Pick for 11/9/23

Atlanta Hawks (4-3 SU, 3-4 ATS) vs. Orlando Magic (4-3 SU, 5-2 ATS)

When: Thursday, November 9th, 9:30 PM (ET)

Where: Mexico City Arena, , Mexico City

TV: NBA

Point Spread: Atl -3.5/Orl +3.5

Total: 232.5

Money Line: Atlanta Hawks -159/+131

Notable Injuries

Hawks

• Wesley Matthews (Out) Calf
• Mouhamed Gueye (Questionable) Back
• Kobe Bufkin (Out) Thumb

Magic

• Gary Harris (Out) Groin
• Markelle Fultz (Questionable) Knee
• Jonathan Isaac (Probable) Hamstring
• Wendell Carter Jr. (Out) Finger

Recent Form

Coming into today’s game vs. the Magic, the Hawks are looking to build on their above .500 record of 4-3. The Hawks have a 2-2 record on the road this season, compared to their 2-1 record when playing at home.

Today’s game sees the Magic aiming to stay above .500, with their current record at 4-3 after seven games. Away from home, the Magic have a 2-2 record this season, while maintaining a 2-1 record in their home games.

The Historicals

The Hawks have had the better record vs the spread over the last 5 games, going 3-2. The team’s average scoring margin in these contests sits at 7 points per game. A combined average of 237 points per game was achieved in these matchups, leading to an over-under mark of 4-1.

Analysis

The Hawks offense is coming off a game in which they scored 117 points vs. the Thunder. Overall their field goal percentage was 37.3% while connecting on 14 threes. Dejounte Murray led the team in scoring, putting up 29 points. Additionally, Trae Young contributed 22 points for the Hawks.

Coming into the game, the Hawks’ defense is giving up an average of 116.7 points per game. So far, they have given up more points than the NBA league average in 57.1% of their games.

The Hawks defense is coming off a game in which they held the Thunder offense to just 37.3% shooting. Overall, they gave up 126 points to Oklahoma City.

In their recent matchup, the Magic offense ended with 102 points against the Mavericks. They finished with an overall field goal percentage of 47.1% and made 8 threes. Paolo Banchero led the scoring for the Magic, contributing 22 points. Additionally, Cole Anthony chipped in with 19 points.

Currently, the Magic’s defense holds the 3rd rank in the NBA, allowing 105.4 points per game.

When it comes to defending inside the arc, the Magic squad is permitting opposing teams to shoot at a clip of 53.6% inside the arc, and they’re also giving up 34.1% from downtown.

Betting Trends

• Across their last five road contests, Atlanta has been good against the spread, posting a mark of 3-2. Their overall mark in these games was 3-2, while averaging 119 points per game.
• When looking at their past three home matchups, Orlando has an ATS record of 2-1 while averaging 106 per game. The team went 1-2 overall in these games.
• In their last three games as the betting underdog, the Magic have a straight up record of 1-2 and an ATS mark of 1-2.
• Although the Hawks have a strong straight up record in their last five games as the betting favorite, they have not done as well vs the spread going 1-4.

Joes Pick To Cover The Spread

In this Eastern Conference matchup, I’m taking Atlanta to cover the spread at -3.5. Despite playing on the road, I’m expecting a big game out of Trae Young and the Atlanta offense. Look for the Hawks to cover vs the Magic tonight.