Magic/Hawks preview

The Magic (23-21, 9-12 road, 7th East) will try to pay ATL (15-27, 7-12 home, 12th East) back after one of the Magic's most disheartening losses of the year FRI night to the Hawks. ATL is comng off a 104-89 home setback to PHI SAT night. Joe Johnson, who scored 39 pts against the Magic, scored just 16 pts against the 76ers. Josh Smith added 21 pts.

The Magic are averaging 93.5 ppg, while allowing 92.8 ppg. In the last 8 games, the Magic are allowing 99.8 ppg. ATL averages 91.5 ppg, while allowing 96.8 ppg. The Magic have lost 7 of 8 games overall, 8 of their last 10 games on the road, and 4 games in a row at ATL. The Magic are 1-2 against ATL this season, including a 95-82 loss back in NOV at ATL. Despite the Magic's recent struggles, they are 4 pt favorites over ATL (www.pinnaclesports.com)).