ATL/Magic preview

Payback will be on the minds of the Magic (9-4, 6-1 home), as the Hawks (5-5, 2-2 road) come into TDW SAT night. ATL is coming off a 97-93 win against TOR FRI night. The Magic played probably their worst game of the year in their previous game against the Hawks, losing 95-82.

ATL is led by G Joe Johnson (27.6 ppg on 49% shooting). C ZaZa Pachulia averages 15.3 ppg and 6.9 rebs. G Ty Lue is playing the best basketball of his career, averaging 14.7 pts and 4.6 assists. F Josh Smith averages 13.8 ppg and 7.8 rebs. G Josh Childress is expected to miss tonight's game with a sprained foot. GHill will miss the game for the Magic, attending his grandmother's funeral. ATL averages 98.3 ppg, while allowing 96.4 ppg. ORL averages 97.4 ppg, while allowing 95.1 ppg.

The Magic have been dominant at home against ATL. They have won 4 in a row and 12 of their last 13 overall at home vs ATL. Despite not having GHill for the game, the strong Magic bench should play a prominent role, and look for DHoward to have a big game after scoring just 11 pts in the first game against the Hawks. Magic are favored by 7 pts (www.pinnaclesports.com).