Hawks Edge Magic in Close Contest
Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Kia Center
Atlanta Hawks 132, Orlando Magic 125, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Atlanta Hawks vs Orlando Magic?
Atlanta Hawks beat Orlando Magic 132-125 at Kia Center on October 21, 2026.
Who was favored in Atlanta Hawks vs Orlando Magic?
Orlando Magic were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -135 (about 57% implied). The underdog won.
In a tightly contested game, the Atlanta Hawks defeated the Orlando Magic 132-125 at the Kia Center, marking their second victory of the season and extending their lead in the series against the Magic to 2-0. The Hawks came into this matchup with a 1-0 record, while the Magic were looking to bounce back from a loss, holding a record of 0-1.
The game was characterized by a series of scoring runs and clutch plays, particularly in the fourth quarter. Nickeil Alexander-Walker was instrumental for the Hawks, hitting a 27-foot three-point step-back jumper, which pushed Atlanta's lead to four points. This was followed by a powerful alley-oop dunk from Wendell Carter Jr. for the Magic, keeping the contest close. However, Alexander-Walker struck again with another three-pointer, extending the Hawks' lead to five points. Onyeka Okongwu's free throws further solidified Atlanta's advantage as they maintained composure in the final moments of the game.
In terms of recent form, the Magic had a mixed performance over their last ten games, recording a 7-3 record but currently on a one-game losing streak. They averaged 116.4 points scored per game while allowing 117.5. Their home record stood at 4-1, indicating a strong performance at home despite this loss. Conversely, the Hawks had a 6-4 record over their last ten games, also on a one-game losing streak, with an average of 120.0 points scored and 113.6 points allowed. Their away record was 3-3, showing they could compete on the road.
Historically, the Magic have struggled against the Hawks, having lost their last four meetings. In their previous encounter on April 1, 2026, the Magic fell to the Hawks 130-101. This trend continued in the latest game, as the Hawks' ability to execute in crucial moments proved decisive.
Injury concerns also played a role in this matchup. The Magic were without Jonathan Isaac, Anthony Black, Noah Penda, and Izaiyah Nelson, all sidelined due to various injuries. The Hawks were missing Mouhamed Gueye and Henri Veesaar, which impacted their depth but did not hinder their performance significantly in this game.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Magic favored by 2.5 points, with a total set at 233.5. The odds reflected the expectations for a high-scoring game, which ultimately played out as both teams showcased their offensive capabilities.
Conditions during the game were typical for a late October evening, with players adapting to the early-season atmosphere and the competitive intensity of the matchup. Fans witnessed a thrilling display of basketball, with both teams pushing the pace and executing plays effectively.
Viewers should have noted the standout performances from key players, particularly from the Hawks' Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who made crucial shots down the stretch. The Magic's Wendell Carter Jr. also made significant contributions, showcasing his ability to finish at the rim. As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on their performances, with the Hawks aiming to maintain their momentum and the Magic seeking to rectify their early-season struggles.
What we said beforehand
The upcoming matchup between the Orlando Magic and the Atlanta Hawks promises to be a compelling contest as both teams look to kick off their seasons on a positive note. Scheduled to take place at the Kia Center on October 21, 2026, this game marks the beginning of a new chapter for both franchises, each eager to establish momentum early in the NBA season.
Both teams enter this game with a record of 0-0, making it difficult to gauge their current form based solely on the standings. However, examining their recent performances reveals some intriguing trends. The Orlando Magic have experienced a mixed bag in their last five games, securing three victories but also suffering two losses. Their most recent game was a win against the Miami Heat, where they triumphed with a score of 136-115. This followed a win against the Cleveland Cavaliers, where they scored 132 points, showcasing their offensive capabilities. In their last five outings, the Magic have averaged 120.4 points scored while allowing 110.2 points, indicating a strong offensive showing but also a need for improvement on defense.
Conversely, the Atlanta Hawks come into this matchup with a stronger recent record, having won four of their last five games. Their last game was a commanding victory over the Dallas Mavericks, where they won 135-111. The Hawks' recent form has seen them average 120.6 points scored and 116.4 points allowed, suggesting they are also capable of high-scoring games. This offensive prowess could be crucial as they face a Magic team that has shown vulnerability in its defensive efforts.
When considering home and away performances, the Orlando Magic have a home record of 4-1 in their last five games, while the Hawks have a 3-1 record on the road in their recent outings. This could give the Magic a slight edge as they play in front of their home crowd. However, the Hawks have demonstrated they can perform well away from home, which could make this game even more competitive.
In terms of head-to-head matchups, the Magic have struggled against the Hawks recently, losing their last four encounters. The most recent game between the two teams was on April 1, 2026, where the Magic fell 101-130 at home. This trend may weigh on the Magic as they look to break the cycle and secure a win against a familiar opponent.
Injury updates are also a significant factor heading into this game. The Orlando Magic will be without Jonathan Isaac, Anthony Black, Noah Penda, and Izaiyah Nelson due to various injuries. The absence of these players could impact their depth and overall performance. On the other hand, the Atlanta Hawks will be missing Mouhamed Gueye and Henri Veesaar, which also affects their roster. The impact of these injuries could play a critical role in determining the outcome of the game.
From a betting perspective, DraftKings has set the odds with the Magic favored by 2.5 points. The total points line is set at 233.5, with the over priced at -115.0 and the under at -105.0. The moneyline shows the Magic at -130.0 and the Hawks at +110.0, indicating that the Magic are considered slight favorites in this matchup.
As for the conditions on the day of the game, the atmosphere at the Kia Center is expected to be electric, with fans eager to see how their team performs in the season opener. The energy from the crowd could provide a significant boost to the Magic as they aim to start their season on a high note.
Viewers should watch for the offensive strategies employed by both teams, particularly how the Magic adapt to the absence of their key players. Additionally, the performance of the Hawks' scoring leaders will be crucial in determining the flow of the game. With both teams eager to make a statement early in the season, this matchup is set to be an exciting affair.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | ORL -2.5 | 233.5 o -115 / u -105 | Atlanta Hawks +114 · Orlando Magic -135 |
Injury report
- Jonathan IsaacOutKneeOrlando Magic
- Anthony BlackOutAnkleOrlando Magic
- Noah PendaOutHamstringOrlando Magic
- Izaiyah NelsonOutAnkleOrlando Magic
- Mouhamed GueyeOutFootAtlanta Hawks
- Henri VeesaarOutKneeAtlanta Hawks
Leaders
- PointsPaolo Banchero35Orlando Magic
- AssistsPaolo Banchero10Orlando Magic
- ReboundsPaolo Banchero7Orlando Magic
- PointsNickeil Alexander-Walker31Atlanta Hawks
- AssistsOnyeka Okongwu7Atlanta Hawks
- ReboundsJalen Johnson14Atlanta Hawks
Recent form
Orlando Magic
Last 10: 7-3Streak L1116.4 scored · 117.5 allowed per game4-1 at home
- L108-113at Boston CelticsApr 12
- W127-103at Chicago BullsApr 11
- W132-120vs Minnesota TimberwolvesApr 8
- W123-107vs Detroit PistonsApr 6
- W112-108at New Orleans PelicansApr 5
- W138-127at Dallas MavericksApr 4
- L101-130vs Atlanta HawksApr 1
- W115-111vs Phoenix SunsMar 31
- L87-139at Toronto RaptorsMar 29
- W121-117vs Sacramento KingsMar 26
Atlanta Hawks
Last 10: 6-4Streak L1120 scored · 113.6 allowed per game3-3 away
- L117-143at Miami HeatApr 12
- W124-102vs Cleveland CavaliersApr 10
- L116-122at Cleveland CavaliersApr 8
- L105-108vs New York KnicksApr 6
- W141-107at Brooklyn NetsApr 3
- W130-101at Orlando MagicApr 1
- W112-102vs Boston CelticsMar 30
- W123-113vs Sacramento KingsMar 28
- L102-109at Boston CelticsMar 27
- W130-129at Detroit PistonsMar 25
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | - | 0 | W1 | 1.000 | 1 |
| Washington | - | 0 | W1 | 1.000 | 1 |
| Miami | 0.5 | 0 | - | .000 | 0 |
| Charlotte | 0.5 | 0 | - | .000 | 0 |
| Orlando | 1 | 1 | L1 | .000 | 0 |
Box score
| Stat | Atlanta Hawks | Orlando Magic |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 44-90 | 41-85 |
| Field goal % | 49 | 48 |
| Three-pointers | 14-36 | 13-40 |
| Three-point % | 39 | 32 |
| Free throws | 30-36 | 30-39 |
| Free throw % | 83 | 77 |
| Rebounds | 42 | 39 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 31 | 30 |
| Assists | 28 | 30 |
| Steals | 9 | 10 |
| Blocks | 3 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 17 | 20 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 18 | 24 |
| Fast-break points | 18 | 14 |
| Points in the paint | 60 | 50 |
| Fouls | 30 | 28 |
| Largest lead | 14 | 10 |
| Lead changes | 22 | 22 |
| Time in front | 57 | 38 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter95-94Goga Bitadze makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter95-95Goga Bitadze makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter95-97Paolo Banchero makes driving layup (Franz Wagner assists)
- 3rd Quarter95-98Paolo Banchero makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter97-98Dyson Daniels makes running dunk
- 3rd Quarter97-99Goga Bitadze makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter97-100Goga Bitadze makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter98-100Nickeil Alexander-Walker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter99-100Nickeil Alexander-Walker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter101-100CJ McCollum makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter101-102Tristan da Silva makes 5-foot two point shot (Jalen Suggs assists)
- 4th Quarter101-104Paolo Banchero makes 1-foot layup (Jalen Suggs assists)
- 4th Quarter101-105Paolo Banchero makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter101-107Jalen Suggs makes driving dunk
- 4th Quarter103-107Jock Landale makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Nickeil Alexander-Walker assists)
- 4th Quarter106-107Aaron Wiggins makes 25-foot running pullup jump shot (CJ McCollum assists)
- 4th Quarter108-107Jock Landale makes hook shot
- 4th Quarter108-109Franz Wagner makes running dunk (Paolo Banchero assists)
- 4th Quarter110-109Dyson Daniels makes driving layup (Onyeka Okongwu assists)
- 4th Quarter110-111Franz Wagner makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter111-111Nickeil Alexander-Walker makes free throw 1 of 3
- 4th Quarter112-111Nickeil Alexander-Walker makes free throw 2 of 3
- 4th Quarter113-111Nickeil Alexander-Walker makes free throw 3 of 3
- 4th Quarter113-113Wendell Carter Jr. makes tip in dunk
- 4th Quarter113-114Wendell Carter Jr. makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter116-114Aaron Wiggins makes 25-foot running jump shot (Dyson Daniels assists)
- 4th Quarter116-117Wendell Carter Jr. makes 22-foot three point jumper (Paolo Banchero assists)
- 4th Quarter118-117Nickeil Alexander-Walker makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter120-117Jalen Johnson makes running layup
- 4th Quarter120-119Paolo Banchero makes 7-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter122-119Jalen Johnson makes 6-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter122-121Paolo Banchero makes 5-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter125-121Nickeil Alexander-Walker makes 27-foot three point step back jumpshot (Jalen Johnson assists)
- 4th Quarter125-123Wendell Carter Jr. makes alley oop dunk (Paolo Banchero assists)
- 4th Quarter128-123Nickeil Alexander-Walker makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jalen Johnson assists)
- 4th Quarter129-123Onyeka Okongwu makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter130-123Onyeka Okongwu makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter130-125Wendell Carter Jr. makes 1-foot layup (Franz Wagner assists)
- 4th Quarter131-125Jalen Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter132-125Jalen Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Orlando Magic, below favours Atlanta Hawks.
Venue
- Kia CenterOrlando, FL
- Attendance18864
- OfficialsPat Fraher, Eric Dalen, Jenna Reneau
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These two, other days
- Hawks Dominate Magic in 130-101 VictoryApr 1, 2026
- Hawks Defeat Magic 124-112 at HomeMar 16, 2026
- Hawks Dominate Magic in Convincing VictoryNov 4, 2025
- Hawks Edge Magic in Close Contest at Kia CenterOct 24, 2025