A win here for the Magic almost secures Kia Center as the site for the 7-8, as Orlando sits a game up on the Hawks in the standings and will win the season series with a W tonight. On the other hand, Atlanta pulls level in the standings with a win and will get another shot at the Magic at home on closing day Sunday that could prove the key to home court in the play-in game. Advantage tonight, however, to Orlando, which has won six of eight. Paolo Banchero is on a tear, leading Magic scorers in six straight games (and rebounding the last three). Note Atlanta's Trae Young has been playing thru painful Achilles tendinitis. Play Magic.

A likely play in matchup will be on display tonight as Orlando hosts the Atlanta Hawks. Atlanta actually has more to play for as they want to avoid falling into the ninth spot and being surpassed by Chicago. Yet, Orlando is starting to show upward momentum where they are 6-2 over their last eight games. Lay it with the home team Orlando Magic.

This is an important game with the Magic and Hawks battling for the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference. Paolo Banchero has been locked in down the stretch, shooting 48.1% from the field and averaging 22.3 shot attempts over his last 12 games. During that 12-game span, he scored at least 30 points eight times. In two previous meetings with the Hawks, Banchero scored 31 and 36 points. The Hawks have played at the third-fastest pace in the league, so look for Banchero to stay hot.

We actually have a game that means something Tuesday in the NBA as the Magic sit seventh in the East and the Hawks eighth. Neither can move up but both in theory could move down. If Orlando wins here, that about wraps up the seven spot and the chance to host that first play-in game -- and get a second chance should you lose. The Hawks have lost three of their past four away. They are a terrible defensive team in allowing 119.8 PPG, and Orlando is 24-7 this season when scoring at least 110 points and 8-1 when reaching 120.