There won’t be any secrets between these Southeast Division rivals, who meet for the second time in as many days. Atlanta is unbeaten this season when it plays the second game of a back-to-back at home, going 7-0 SU and 5-2 ATS in such games.
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SCHEDULING
The Southeast Division rivals wrap up their season series before the All-Star break with the second of a home-and-home on Monday. The Orlando Magic have gone from a feel-good story to disaster over the span of six weeks, and the latest slide is three straight heading into the home-and-home set. The young Magic looked like they had finally emerged and the rebuilding process was paying off. On Dec. 30, they improved their record to 19-13 with a victory over the Nets. A winning record and playoff berth seemed possible. The optimism has since disappeared with 15 losses in 17 games to open the new year. Orlando has struggled in the second game of a back-to-back going 2-7 SU and 5-4 ATS in such games.
This is Atlanta’s final home game before the break and the Hawks have been hot. They closed out a 6-9 January with five losses in six games but have bounced back with three straight wins by an average of 19.7 points heading into the back-to-back set with Orlando. The Hawks scored 112.7 points during the winning streak and moved back atop the division standings. Atlanta won the first two games of the season series, winning 103-100 in Orlando on Dec. 20 and posting a 98-81 home victory on Jan. 18.
INJURIES
Orlando forward Tobias Harris is day-to-day after he received “six or seven” stitches over his left eye after he was inadvertently struck in the face by teammate Victor Oladipo on Friday night. He was playing on a tender ankle before taking a blow to the head.
The Hawks will likely be without center Tiago Splitter as he continues to be bothered by a hip injury. It’s the same injury that cost him seven games in November. He’s averaging 5.6 points and 3.3 rebounds in 36 games this season.
KEY MATCHUP
Hawks forward Paul Millsap was selected to the Eastern Conference All-Star team and deservedly so. He has operated as Atlanta’s best and most valuable player this season. And it’s hard to argue that Millsap is having the best season of his career. Through 50 games, Millsap is averaging 17.7 points and 8.7 rebounds with a career-best 22.6 player efficiency rating and a very nice 57.5 true shooting percentage. Millsap routinely bails out the Atlanta offense with his crafty nature around the rim and ability to step out and knock down jump shots. Orlando has struggled defensively during its current slide, allowing far too many uncontested shots with little help down low. Millsap won’t use the post-up game but could have a big night if his mid-range jumper is on target.
ANALYSIS AND ODDS PREDICTION
The Hawks have started to resemble the team that won 60 times last season during its three-game win streak ahead of the home-and-home with Orlando. Their offense, led by Millsap and Al Horford, has been much more efficient, increasing their points per game output. Point guard Jeff Teague, who floundered for much of the first half, picked up his game and the team has followed. This isn’t, however, the Hawks of last season. They have a target on their backs and won’t be surprising anyone. But it appears as though the club has figured that out. Atlanta has returned to the style of play that made it so successful last year. They’re sharing the basketball better, delivering the extra pass and getting the easy buckets. And those easy buckets should be plentiful against an Orlando defense that can’t defend anyone. A brutal stretch of games before the break has apparently taken its toll on the Magic as well. And it isn’t over. They still have a matchup with San Antonio before the eight-day layoff.
Atlanta 106, Orlando 99
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