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Preview: Hawks attempt to avoid season sweep in Orlando

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NBA: Atlanta Hawks at Orlando Magic Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Update: Kevin Huerter and Kent Bazemore are OUT for Friday’s game.


Offense wasn’t an issue for the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, with the team scoring effectively on the way to an upset win over the Philadelphia 76ers. On Friday evening, the Hawks will aim to keep that upward momentum rolling with a road game against the Orlando Magic.

To this point in the season, the Hawks have exceeded expectations in an overall sense. However, the Magic have provided resistance along the way, taking all three meetings with the Hawks and doing so by double-figures on each occasion. In addition, Orlando still has plenty to play for, with the team firmly in the midst of a playoff chase and each result being magnified as a result.

Still, Atlanta has been operating effectively during the stretch run and, with that as the backdrop, the Hawks enter this game as 8.5-point underdogs. Some of that perceived disparity is the existence of home-court advantage for Orlando but, with a two-game “series” starting Friday between the Mavericks and Grizzlies, Hawks fans will also have an eye on the standings for draft purposes.

Injury-wise, the Hawks remain short-handed, and that could be pronounced in this game. Kent Bazemore (left adductor strain) and Kevin Huerter (mid-back pain) are listed as doubtful for the contest and, if the pair can’t play, Atlanta’s wing rotation will be of interest, with Justin Anderson and DeAndre’ Bembry seemingly in line for additional playing time. Four members of the Magic will be out of action, headlined by Mo Bamba and Markelle Fultz, but Orlando has been operating without the quartet for some time, leaving the Hawks in the less favorable roster position.

Stay tuned throughout the day for all the latest.

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Friday, April 5, 7:00 pm ET

Location: Amway Center

TV: Fox Sports Southeast, NBA League Pass (out of market)

Radio: 92.9 The Game (Atlanta); Hawks Radio Network

Streaming: Fox Sports Go