The NBA’s play-in tournament kicks off on Tuesday night, April 15, 2025, as the Orlando Magic host the Atlanta Hawks in a battle for the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference. Both teams are eager to secure their spot in the playoffs, with the winner earning a chance to face the defending champion Boston Celtics in the first round. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and fans are buzzing with anticipation as they prepare for what promises to be an electrifying matchup.
Orlando enters the game with a regular-season record of 41-41, while the Hawks finished just behind them at 40-42. Interestingly, the two teams split their four-game season series, making this play-in clash all the more intriguing. Both squads rested their starters in Sunday’s regular-season finale, but come Tuesday, all key players are set to take the floor.
At the center of Orlando’s strategy is star forward Paolo Banchero, who has been on fire lately. Banchero has consistently delivered offensive production, particularly against the Hawks this season. In three matchups against Atlanta, he has averaged an impressive 33.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists. His standout performance came on April 9, when he dropped 33 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, marking his third consecutive double-double and extending his streak of 20-point games to 20. Banchero scored 21 of those points in the first half, helping the Magic build a comfortable lead before sealing the win with clutch shots down the stretch.
Given Banchero's current form, his prop bet for the night is set at 29.5 points on DraftKings Sportsbook. Experts are predicting he will surpass this line, especially since he has cleared it in all three games against the Hawks this season. Atlanta has allowed the seventh-most points per game to power forwards, and with the Hawks struggling to contain dynamic scorers, Banchero could have a field day.
Meanwhile, the Hawks will need to find a way to counter Banchero’s offensive prowess. They rely heavily on Mouhamed Gueye to guard top-tier wings, but his offensive struggles could create spacing issues for Atlanta. If Gueye is unable to contribute offensively, it may only make it easier for Banchero to exploit the Hawks’ defense. Can Atlanta generate enough offensive production with Gueye on the floor in such a high-stakes game?
As the game approaches, the betting lines reflect the competitive nature of this matchup. The Magic are favored by 5.5 points, with a total set at 219.5. The Basketball Power Index projects Orlando to win by 4.9 points, with a 66% chance of victory and a total of 213.3 points expected in the game. The Hawks, on the other hand, will look to upset the odds and secure their playoff berth.
Injuries could play a pivotal role in the outcome of this matchup. The Hawks are dealing with several key injuries, including Trae Young, who is listed as game-time decision due to an Achilles issue, and Clint Capela, who is out with a hand injury. Larry Nance Jr., Jalen Johnson, and Kobe Bufkin are also sidelined, adding to Atlanta’s challenges. For the Magic, Jalen Suggs and Moritz Wagner are out with knee injuries, but they will still have their core players available.
As the anticipation builds, fans are eager to see how Banchero performs under the playoff spotlight. His recent performances have solidified his status as a key player for the Magic, and with the playoffs on the line, he’s expected to rise to the occasion.
In addition to the Eastern Conference showdown, the Western Conference will see the Golden State Warriors take on the Memphis Grizzlies later in the night. The Warriors are favored by 7.5 points, with a total set at 227.5. Both teams finished the regular season with identical records of 48-34, but the Warriors have had the upper hand in their previous matchups, winning three out of four games this season.
Golden State is riding high after a strong finish to the regular season, boasting a 20-7 record since the All-Star break. Their impressive net rating during this stretch places them among the top teams in the league. The Grizzlies, however, have struggled, going just 12-16 since the break and finishing 17th in net rating. With Ja Morant back in form, Memphis will look to pull off an upset, but they face a tough challenge against a Warriors team with playoff experience.
As the play-in tournament kicks off, the excitement is palpable. With so much on the line, both the Magic and Hawks are prepared to leave it all on the court. Fans can expect a thrilling night of basketball as these teams vie for a chance to advance to the playoffs. Will Banchero continue his scoring spree? Can the Hawks find a way to contain him? Tune in to find out!
