On Tuesday, the Orlando Magic faces the Atlanta Hawks in Game 5 of the 1st round Eastern Conference playoffs at the Amway Center in Orlando, FL. Game time is set at 7:30PM ET.
With a 3-1 series deficit, the Magic are on the brink of first round elimination. They're backs are against the wall in Game 5 in front of their home fans. All-Star center Dwight Howard has been consistent in terms of defense, scoring and rebounding from Games 1 to 4. He is the lone bright spot in the Magic's roster.
Orlando must have their perimeter clicking if they want to extend the series for another day. Jameer Nelson, Hedo Turkoglu and JJ Redick are all shooting less than 35 percent from the perimeter and less than 23 percent from the three-point area. These three players must have their perimeter game working to compliment Howard's inside game.
The Atlanta Hawks have surprised a lot of sports analyst after eking out a 3-1 series lead over the Magic. The Hawks were the heavy underdog in this series but now have the chance go to the 2nd round on Tuesday. They let Dwight Howard to do his scoring in the inside lane but have shutdown the perimeter and 3-point shooting of the trio of Nelson, Turkoglu and Redick. The Hawks know that they can't stop Howard in the shaded lane but if they stop the Magic's perimeter game they have a chance to close out the series.
The sportsbook handicappers have installed the Orlando Magic as a 7.5-point favorite to beat the Atlanta Hawks and extend the series to Game 6. Expect the Hawks to give close out the series on the road rather than give the Magic a momentum for a Game 6.
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