This is a rather generous number considering that Orlando is involved, but that's fine by me, if I can get this shot at a plus price on Novig. Atlanta certainly has the offensive firepower to push a game into the 240s, but that doesn't necessarily mean the Magic will oblige. Orlando's home games averaged just over 230 points last season, while only 27 of its 82 contests exceeded the 236-point threshold. The Magic also finished 28th in wide-open three-point shooting percentage, which tells us that offensive efficiency remains a concern despite their improvements last season and their continued strides for this campaign, as well. At the end of the day, a key component of Orlando basketball is that they love to take their opponents out to the deep end and make it a bar fight. Because I am offered this number at this price, I have to pull the trigger on the Under.
Whether or not Orlando's offense is enhanced or Atlanta gets going, the Magic have the pedigree of defensive posture and physicality to disrupt the Hawks. They will certainly lean into that and chances are Orlando dictates the tempo here. That makes the Under more feasible. Let's not also forget that this is opening night, a division rivalry, and both teams are getting reacquainted with meaningful basketball. A few stretches of offensive inconsistency could go a long way toward keeping this contest below the number, and Orlando wants it that way, even with their desire to continue to improve on offense. Now is not the time to take the Over.
Hawks vs Magic prediction: Under 236.5 (+108) available at time of publishing. Playable to that number.
