The Orlando Magic will host the Atlanta Hawks in the 2025 NBA Play-In Tournament. The play-in tournament has become a massive success for the NBA, displaying competitiveness before the playoffs start. This tournament allows the last four teams in each conference to compete. Orlando is the No. 7 seed in the East, while Atlanta holds the No. 8 seed. These teams split the season series. The matchup winner will face the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs.
Play-In Tournament Explained
The play-in tournament is a series of games before the main playoffs begin. This tournament decides which teams will earn the final seeds in the playoffs. Teams from the seventh to the tenth seed play in this tournament. Teams that finished with the sixth seed or higher do not have to compete. The play-in tournament adds another layer of competition and incentive to the end of the regular season, allowing teams that narrowly missed a playoff spot to earn their way in.
Orlando Magic
For the duration of this NBA season, the Orlando Magic struggled mightily to stay consistent. Orlando averaged 104.0 points per game, the lowest in the NBA. On the defensive end, they were much stronger, ranking in the top two for defense and allowing 105.7 points per game. Key players Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner will be the most significant for Orlando in this matchup.
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks had an up-and-down season, finishing with a 40-42 record. Offensively, the Hawks averaged 118.2 points a game, which ranks fifth in the NBA. Defensively, Atlanta allows 119.3 points, which ranks them 27th. Superstar Trae Young will be heavily relied on during this game. He averages 24.2 points and 11.6 assists a game. This Hawks team will go where Young takes them.
Season Series
In the 2024-25 season, the head-to-head matchup was split between both teams. This season’s four games were all close matchups. The average margin of victory was under 8. That is besides the last matchup played on the final day of the regular season. It was decided by 12 points. This next matchup should be a close one as well.
Key Matchups
The biggest matchup is Young versus the Orlando Magic’s defense. Young’s ability to control the tempo and be a playmaker who creates for everyone else is key. How will the Magic contain Young in this matchup? Frontcourt matchup of Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu going against Banchero and Wagner’s offensive versatility.
Conclusion
This matchup is the classic of good offense vs. good defense. These teams’ strengths and weaknesses fit what each team does well. Orlando has a 16-9 record at home and struggles with 3-point shooting. The Hawks’ recent acquisitions, Terrance Mann and Caris Levert, could significantly impact this game. Can the Hawks play well enough on defense? The winner earns the opportunity to face the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs.
