Hawks vs. Magic: A History of the Rivalry

When Do the Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic Play Next?

Atlanta Hawks tickets and Orlando Magic tickets can be found on their respective team pages, along with schedule information.

Are the Atlanta Hawks and the Orlando Magic Rivals?

There is no love lost between the Atlanta Hawks and the Orlando Magic. The two teams have been battling for playoff positioning since 1989, the year the Magic debuted in the NBA. The Hawks-Magic rivalry picked up steam in the mid-1990s when the first playoff series between the two occurred, and it was reinvigorated in the early 2010s. Hawks vs. Magic games mean more each year because the franchises are Eastern Conference Southeast Division foes.

Who are the Atlanta Hawks’ Biggest Rivals?

The Atlanta Hawks’ biggest rival is likely the Boston Celtics. The rivalry has spanned nearly seven decades, as the teams first battled in 1949 when the Hawks were known as the Tri-Cities Blackhawks. Once the Hawks moved to St. Louis, the rivalry began to take shape as the franchise’s lone championship came in 1958 by defeating the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals, a year after losing the Finals to them. The Celtics bested the Hawks in 1960 and 1961 in the NBA Finals as well.

Who are the Orlando Magic’ Biggest Rivals?

The Orlando Magic’s biggest rivals are the Miami Heat. Both teams call Florida home and they each joined the league at the same time. In the mid-1990s, the influx of young talent on both rosters led to quality battles every time they matched up. The likes of Penny Hardaway, Shaquille O’Neal, Tim Hardaway, and Alonzo Mourning built up the rivalry and the teams met for the first and only time in the postseason in 1997, with the Heat beating the Magic. The rivalry picked up again in the 2000s with stars like Dwyane Wade and Dwight Howard leading the way for the Heat and Magic, respectively.

Game Results Between the Hawks & Magic

The Hawks have taken two of the first three meetings this season, most recently on January 18. The final meeting will be in Atlanta on February 25.

Atlanta Hawks vs. Orlando Magic History

The Hawks vs. Magic rivalry dates back to when the Magic joined the league, as the teams were placed in the same conference and division right away. Overall, the Hawks have had the upper hand in the rivalry, winning 70 of the 133 regular season contests. However, the Magic have had more playoff success in the three series the franchises have faced off in. In the 1996 Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Magic took the series four games to one.

The Magic continued their playoff winning streak in 2010, dominating the Hawks in a conference semifinals sweep, with all games decided by at least 14 points. But the Hawks got revenge the following year, knocking the Magic out in the first round in six games. The Magic have only made the playoffs three times since then, never advancing past the first round while The Hawks have only missed the playoffs three times in that span, winning the Southeast Division twice.

Where Do the Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks Play?

The Orlando Magic play at Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. It is home to arena league football, hockey, and basketball teams.

The Atlanta Hawks play at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. State Farm Arena is home to the Hawks and has hosted concerts, events, college sports championship games, and more.