Atlanta Hawks vs. Orlando Magic: 5 Questions Ahead of Mexico City Game

The Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks play tonight from Arena CDMX in Mexico City.
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ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic is tipping off from Mexico City tonight to take on the Atlanta Hawks.

To learn more about the Magic's opponent, we spoke with All Hawks writer Jackson Caudell.

1. The Hawks just had a four-game win streak snapped. What prompted the success and what does the team need to do to get back to it? 

The offense was the catalyst for the recent winning streak. Dejounte Murray is playing really well right now and the Hawks are near the top of the NBA in points per game and field goal percentage and that is with Trae Young not shooting well and the team not shooting well from three-point range. The emergence of Jalen Johnson has also been huge for the team and they are one of the better rebounding teams in the NBA.

2. If the Hawks win Thursday, what would be the reason why? 

I think if the Hawks win on Thursday it will be because of their offense doing just enough against what has been a really good Magic defense so far. Young has been due for a breakout game and I think tomorrow night is where you see it.

Trae Young Paolo Banchero Hawks
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young and Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero / Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

3. What’s one thing people should know about the Hawks that they couldn’t find in a box score? 

People should know that they have one of the most reliable benches in the NBA. Bogdan Bogdanovic, Onyeka Okongwu, and Saddiq Bey is a great bench to have and they complement the staters well.

4. What's a matchup that you are looking forward to seeing? 

I want to see the Hawks backcourt of Young and Murray going against the guards the Magic have. The Hawks guards are what makes the entire offense go and they are going to be challenged on Thursday night against Orlando.

5. What's your prediction for Thursday's game?

I am going with the Hawks to win because I just think their offense is going to score, no matter how good the Orlando defense is. They had a bad shooting night against Oklahoma City on Monday and I don’t see them doing that again, plus I think Young is due for a big performance. Atlanta wins 113-106.


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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.