Hawks Look to Solidify Playoff Position Against Magic

Atlanta has surged since the All-Star break, while Orlando fights to hold onto a postseason spot.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:36pm

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The Atlanta Hawks have been one of the hottest teams in the Eastern Conference since the All-Star break, winning 17 of their last 20 games. They currently hold the fifth seed in the East, half a game ahead of the Toronto Raptors. The Hawks will look to continue their strong play when they visit the Orlando Magic on Wednesday. Orlando sits in the eighth spot in the East, just a half-game ahead of the Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets. The Magic are fighting to secure at least one guaranteed home game in the upcoming play-in tournament.

Why it matters

This matchup between division rivals has major playoff implications. The Hawks are trying to solidify their position in the top six of the East and avoid the play-in tournament, while the Magic are battling to hold onto a postseason spot. A Hawks win would give them a season sweep of the Magic and further cement their standing in the East.

The details

The Hawks have been led by the strong play of Jalen Johnson, who is averaging 22.9 points, 10.2 rebounds and 8.1 assists per game. Dyson Daniels has also provided a boost, improving his 3-point shooting in recent games. For the Magic, Paolo Banchero is averaging 22.6 points per game, while Desmond Bane adds 20.3 points per contest. Orlando is looking to snap a stretch where it lost 7 of 8 games before a much-needed win over the Suns on Tuesday.

  • The Hawks and Magic will face off on Wednesday, April 3, 2026.
  • Atlanta has won 17 of its last 20 games since the All-Star break on February 19.

The players

Jalen Johnson

The Hawks' leading scorer, averaging 22.9 points, 10.2 rebounds and 8.1 assists per game.

Dyson Daniels

The Hawks' guard has improved his 3-point shooting in recent games, providing a boost to the team's offense.

Paolo Banchero

The Magic's leading scorer, averaging 22.6 points per game.

Desmond Bane

The Magic's second-leading scorer, averaging 20.3 points per game.

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What they’re saying

“Every game is essential. We know what we're up against. It hasn't been an easy road for us. We just want to continue to play well and still find ways to get better.”

— Quin Snyder, Hawks Head Coach

“You're not as bad as you are in your losses and you're not as good as you think you are in your wins. That's why we've got to keep an even keel.”

— Jamahl Mosley, Magic Head Coach

What’s next

A Hawks win on Wednesday would give them a season sweep of the Magic, further solidifying their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

The takeaway

This matchup between the surging Hawks and the playoff-hopeful Magic has major implications for the Eastern Conference postseason picture. Both teams understand the importance of finishing the regular season strong and securing the best possible playoff positioning.