Atlanta Hawks vs Orlando Magic Picks and Prediction for Wednesday October 21 2026
The Wednesday NBA schedule will get started with a Southeast Division clash between the Atlanta Hawks and the Orlando Magic. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 pm EST on October 21, 2026 from the Kia Center. The Magic are currently a 2.5 point home favorite and the total is set at 231.5. Be ready for all of this season's NBA action with our free NBA picks.
Atlanta committed to defense
The Atlanta Hawks caught fire in the second half of last season.and clinched the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference. The Hawks took a 2-1 series lead over eventual champion New York before falling in six games. Atlanta finished three games above .500 on the road and averaged 118.5 points per contest. In their preseason finale, Atlanta built a 19-point halftime lead and cruised to a 135-111 road victory against Dallas.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker knocked down 6-for-10 from the three-point line and led five Atlanta players in double figures with 25 points. All-Star F Jalen Johnson contributed 20 points (9-11 FT) and 14 rebounds. Aaron Wiggins added 19 points and seven rebounds off the bench for the Hawks.
The Hawks were a middle of the pack offensive team and had a 55.4 effective field goal percentage. When Atlanta dealt Trae Young to Atlanta, a bigger commitment to defense happened. The Hawks finished 19th in defensive efficiency two seasons ago and improved to 10th.
Orlando needs to improve on offense
The Orlando Magic snuck in the playoffs with 45 victories and took top-seeded Detroit to seven games in the first round. Jamahl Mosley was fired and the Magic named San Antonio assistant Sean Sweeney as their 16th head coach in franchise history. Orlando won 25 of 40 home games and averaged 115.7 points per contest. On Friday, Orlando wrapped up the preseason with a 136-115 home victory versus Miami.
Former number one overall draft pick Paolo Banchero led all scorers with 24 points (13-16 FT) and seven rebounds. Orlando G Desmond Bane connected on 7-for-12 from long range and finished with 23 points. Jamal Cain added 14 points and five boards off the Magic bench.
Sweeney will be tasked with unlocking an offense that finished 19th in efficiency a season ago. Orlando ranked a dismal 27th in three-point percentage and 22nd in three-point attempts. Talented forwards Banchero and Franz Wagner shoot a career 32 percent from behind the arc.
Atlanta Hawks vs Orlando Magic Picks and Prediction
Pick: Orlando Magic -2.5
Orlando F Franz Wagner exited Friday’s preseason with shoulder soreness and is listed as day-to-day. These two division rivals have played 143 times, with Atlanta winning 78 times. Last season, the Hawks won all four games against the Magic by an average 15 points. Banchero will be the best player on the floor and lead his team to a season opening home victory.
Pick: Over 231.5
Atlanta played at the fourth fastest tempo in the league and Orlando ranked tenth in that category. The Hawks averaged 123 points in their four victories against the Magic a season ago. Orlando wants to play even faster for their new head coach and scored 130 plus points in their final two preseason contests. Take the over.
Final Score Prediction: Orlando Magic 122-115