Hawks Look to Solidify Playoff Spot Against Magic

Atlanta aims to widen gap over play-in tournament with win over Orlando

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:10pm

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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. Sitting in fifth place in the East, the Hawks are looking to solidify their playoff position with a win over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday. Atlanta holds a half-game lead over the Toronto Raptors and a 1.5-game lead over the Philadelphia 76ers, who are currently in the play-in tournament. The Hawks have been boosted by the improved 3-point shooting of guard Dyson Daniels, while Jalen Johnson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker have led the team in scoring. Orlando currently sits in the eighth spot in the East, a half-game ahead of the Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets, and is looking to clinch a guaranteed home game in the play-in tournament.

Why it matters

This game is crucial for the Hawks as they look to solidify their playoff position and avoid the play-in tournament. A win would give them some breathing room over the teams chasing them. For the Magic, a victory would help them maintain their hold on the eighth seed and potentially earn a home game in the play-in tournament.

The details

The Hawks have been one of the hottest teams in the East since the All-Star break, going 17-3 over their last 20 games. They are led by Jalen Johnson, who is averaging 22.9 points, 10.2 rebounds and 8.1 assists per game. Nickeil Alexander-Walker is also having a career year, scoring 20.4 points per contest. The team has also gotten a boost from the improved 3-point shooting of Dyson Daniels, who has hit multiple triples in three of his last five games. The Magic, meanwhile, are looking to hold on to the eighth seed in the East. They currently hold a half-game lead over the Heat and Hornets, but trail the 76ers by a game. Led by Paolo Banchero's 22.6 points per game and Desmond Bane's 20.3, the Magic are hoping to clinch a home game in the play-in tournament.

  • The Hawks have won 17 of their last 20 games since the All-Star break (February 19).
  • The Hawks currently hold a half-game lead over the Raptors for the fifth seed in the East.
  • The Magic currently hold the eighth seed in the East, a half-game ahead of the Heat and Hornets.

The players

Jalen Johnson

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

Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Averaging a career-high 20.4 points per game for the Hawks.

Dyson Daniels

The Hawks' guard has improved his 3-point shooting, hitting multiple triples in three of his last five games.

Paolo Banchero

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

Desmond Bane

Averaging 20.3 points per game for the Magic.

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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 win for the Hawks would mark their first four-game season sweep of the Magic since the 2012-13 season.

The takeaway

This game is crucial for both teams as they jockey for position in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The Hawks are looking to solidify their spot in the top six and avoid the play-in tournament, while the Magic are trying to hold on to the eighth seed and earn a home game in the play-in. The outcome of this matchup could have significant implications on the final standings in the East.