NBA Game Picks & Analysis
Atlanta Hawks vs. Orlando Magic
NBA Play-In Preview: Orlando Magic vs. Atlanta Hawks
Location: Orlando, Florida | Time: Tuesday, 7 p.m. EDT
Our Pick: Hawks +6
BOTTOM LINE:
In this critical Play-In game, the underdog Atlanta Hawks are expected to cover the +6 spread as they face the struggling Orlando Magic. Although the Magic are favored, the Hawks have the potential to upset the odds with their dynamic play.
TEAM OVERVIEW:
The Orlando Magic (41-41, seventh in the Eastern Conference) have shown flashes of promise but have been inconsistent, especially on the road. They are last in the league in three-point shooting, making only 31.7% from beyond the arc, and average just 105.1 points per game. In contrast, the Atlanta Hawks (40-42, eighth in the Eastern Conference) have been competitive in conference play and have a reputation for fast-break scoring. The Hawks have a solid record (9-6) against non-division opponents and use their impressive ball movement to create open looks.
MATCHUP INSIGHTS:
Despite Orlando being favored, the Hawksâ offensive efficiency is expected to be the difference-maker. Atlanta averages 118.2 points per game, which is nearly 12.8 more than the 105.4 points the Magic allow, indicating a significant scoring gap. Additionally, the Hawks make 13.5 three-pointers per gameâ2.1 more than the Magic allowâdemonstrating their strength from deep. This advantage, coupled with the Mavericksâ ability to force turnovers and take fast-break opportunities, should allow Atlanta to cover the +6 spread even if they lose the game by a slim margin.
TOP PERFORMERS:
Trae Young is leading the Hawks with 22.9 points and is crucial to their playmaking, while Dyson Daniels contributes 14.1 points along with steady rebounding and assists. For the Magic, Franz Wagner averages 24.2 points and 4.7 assists, and Paolo Banchero has been a consistent scorer and rebounder.
INJURIES:
The Magic are dealing with major injuries, including Jalen Suggs (out for season) and Moritz Wagner (out for season). The Hawks face some issues too, such as Larry Nance Jr. and Kobe Bufkin out for the season, with others listed as day-to-day. These injuries hamper Orlandoâs depth more significantly than Atlantaâs, further supporting why the Hawks should cover the +6 spread.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Golden State Warriors
NBA Play-In Preview: Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Location: San Francisco | Time: Tuesday, 10 p.m. EDT
Our Pick: Grizzlies +7
BOTTOM LINE:
Although the Golden State Warriors are favored by 7 points, the Memphis Grizzlies are poised to cover the +7 spread in this crucial play-in game for the Western Conference’s seventh seed.
TEAM OVERVIEW:
The Warriors (48-34, seventh in the Western Conference) boast a 29-23 record in conference play and average 113.8 points per game while shooting 45.1% from the field. However, the Grizzlies (48-34, eighth in the Western Conference) have shown flashes of brilliance, especially with their ability to win tight contestsâthey hold a 9-6 record in games decided by less than 4 points. Memphis scores a robust 121.7 points per game, which is an impressive 11.2 points more than the 110.5 allowed by Golden State, indicating their potent offensive firepower.
MATCHUP INSIGHTS:
The statistical edge in scoring is a key reason to lean toward Memphis covering the +7 spread. The Grizzliesâ ability to pour on the points, combined with their recent tendency to stay within striking distance in close games, suggests they wonât lose by more than 7 points. Despite the Warriorsâ efficiency on offense, their defense has shown vulnerabilities against high-scoring teams. Memphisâ explosive scoring, led by standout performances, could turn the game into a lopsided affair or, at the very least, keep the margin tight enough for them to cover the spread as underdogs.
TOP PERFORMERS:
Jaren Jackson Jr. averages 22.2 points per game, while Ja Morant has been turning in 19.9 points over the last 10 games for the Grizzlies. These contributions, along with a balanced offensive attack, will be crucial.
INJURIES:
The Warriors report no major injuries, while the Grizzlies deal with several day-to-day designations. These factors reinforce the belief that Memphis will cover the +7 spread in this high-stakes play-in encounter.
