Magic, Hawks Prepare for Key Play-In Matchup

The Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks are set to clash in a pivotal No. 7-8 matchup of the NBA Play-In Tournament on Tuesday, following the Magic's 117-105 victory over a depleted Hawks team in the regular season finale. Both teams rested key players for that game, with the Magic missing Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, while the Hawks sat Trae Young and others. Despite the regular season matchup being largely inconsequential, it provided valuable insights for both teams as they prepare for the elimination game. The Magic, who secured homecourt advantage and won two of their three meetings this season against the Hawks, will aim to leverage their star players while the Hawks plan to focus their defense on containing Banchero and Wagner. The stakes are high, as the winner will advance to face the Boston Celtics in the playoffs, while the loser will have to compete in a subsequent elimination game against the winner of the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat matchup. Both teams are eager to finalize their strategies ahead of this crucial encounter.