A feature on the first of the 2025 SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament: An event between the two studios from both conferences. Meaning, again, that the SoFi Play-In Tournament in its present incarnation existed before; now, on the very first day of action, we have the insights and predictions on Tuesday’s games. First, two of the four teams vying for the No. 8 seed in the East and the West on Friday will be alongside the No. 7 seeds in both the Eastern and Western Conferences. East: (8) Atlanta Hawks vs. (7) Orlando Magic (7:30 p.m. ET, TNT)
The winner: Moves on to Boston to battle in Round One as the No. 7 seed. The loser: Moves on to play the winner of the Heat-Bulls duel Wednesday for the No. 8 seed in the East. Regular season conclusion: Series tied, 2-2.
The Magic, on the other hand, play slow-with no slow-moving team even close to them, and they stand last in the league in terms of pace. While at least they are coupled together with Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks and Damian Lillard. It has hit record scales of an NBA-leading 55.3 points with each other this season, there are still magical bright sparks emerging from the dynamic duo of young forwards- there is no other than Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
On the other side, Joel Embiid’s knee concerns deepen as doctor consultations and exploring options continue. Atlanta, in sharp contrast to that, drawing more of the games more on their guards and wings, is the speed demon with ranks third in pace. The Magic are definitely more physical, but the Hawks are very often found guilty of the foul call. In evading harshness, Orlando will have a definite advantage over Atlanta.
The Magic’s number 1 point guard, Jalen Suggs, missed his early January surgery on the quad and his chance to see action against the Atlanta Hawks this year, leaving it to defenders on several Orlando players to guard Young: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Anthony Black, Gary Harris, and Cole Anthony.