The Atlanta Hawks (0-1) and Orlando Magic (1-0) meet Friday in an Eastern Conference battle. Tip from the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida, is set for 7 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Hawks vs. Magic odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
2024-25 season series: Tied 2-2
The Magic, who went 4-0 in the preseason, beat the Miami Heat 125-121 at home Wednesday, but failed to cover as an 8.5-point favorite as the Over (215) hit. The forward combo of Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero combined for 48 points, each tallying 24. The Magic finished seventh in the East at 41-41 a season ago and added G Desmond Bane in a trade from the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Hawks had a disastrous first game, losing 138-118 to the Toronto Raptors Wednesday. They closed as a 5.5-point favorite as the Over (237) cashed. G Trae Young and F Jalen Johnson both scored 22 points; however, Atlanta shot just 42% from the field and 29% from deep. Its premier offseason addition, C Kristaps Porzingis, scored 20 points on 5-for-12 shooting.
Hawks at Magic odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 9:10 p.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): Hawks +170 (bet $100 to win $170) | Magic -210 (bet $210 to win $100)Against the spread (ATS): Hawks +4.5 (-105) | Magic -4.5 (-115)Over/Under (O/U): 231.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)Hawks at Magic key injuries
Hawks
F Zaccharie Risacher (ankle) questionable
Magic
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Hawks at Magic picks and predictionsPrediction
Magic 115, Hawks 108
PASS.
Taking the Magic (-210) is the only thing that makes sense, but even they are far too expensive to consider. Avoid this and look below for better value.
BET MAGIC -4.5 (-115).
The Magic have a strong defense and upgraded their offense with Bane, which should help spark their play, especially at home. While they did allow 121 points in their first game, the Magic finished second a season ago in defensive rating and should be able to limit a Hawks team that was extremely inefficient in their opener.
Atlanta was annihilated by one of the worst teams in the East to open the year. Within that game, it had just 8 offensive boards and, without many second chance efforts, it should have issues keeping pace against a capable defensive side.
Take MAGIC -4.5 (-115).
BET UNDER 231.5 (-110).
These teams met 4 times last season, and 3 of those 4 games would’ve gone Under this total. Only twice did a team top 115 on its own. With many of the same players, the pace and styles should be similar to a season ago. The tempo of the game should also be key, and the Magic don’t push the ball. They finished last in pace a season ago.
Expect this total to be tough to hit and take UNDER 231.5 (-110).
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