Jalen Johnson and Paolo Banchero lead the red-hot Hawks and Magic into tonight’s battle on NBC Sports Network and Peacock.

What we know about Monday night’s games:

The Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks collide on NBC Sports Network and Peacock to open our slate (7 ET), riding respective seven and nine-game winning streaks.
The Los Angeles Lakers head to Houston to take on the Rockets afterwards on NBC Sports Network and Peacock (9:30 ET), with Houston having claimed the only game in the season series between the two Western powers so far.
In the nightcap, Kawhi Leonard and the LA Clippers defend the Intuit Dome against Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs (10 ET).

MARCH 16, 2026 // 6:30 ET

Elite power forwards at work

Paolo Banchero (22.8 ppg, 8.6 reb, 5.0 ast, 46.4 FG%) and Jalen Johnson (23.0 ppg, 10.4 reb, 8.0 ast, 49.5 FG%) are two of the preeminent power forwards in the game, both graduates of Duke University, and the leading forces on rising contenders in the Eastern Conference.

Paolo isolates more — 3.1 ppg on 3.5 possessions per game, compared to 1.3 ppg on 1.8 possession per game for Johnson — using his polished bag work and strong frame to create in the midrange and at the rim. When he has it going, there are few tougher one-on-one matchups in the league.

Johnson is an all-around creator — his assist percentage of 33.4% ranks 26th in the NBA, while Paolo is 105th at 22.7% — with a smooth game that easily takes advantage of the Hawks’ strong spacing and varied attack under Quin Snyder. He glides to the rim in transition, often playing bigger than his listed 219 pounds.

Compare and contrast their games below before they clash tonight.

MARCH 16, 2026 // 5:45 ET

Welcome to an eight-game night in the NBA!

Paolo Banchero and the Magic host Jalen Johnson and the Atlanta Hawks to open our slate tonight on NBC Sports Network and Peacock.

Our journey tonight is highlighted by a trio of games on Peacock — Hawks-Magic (7 ET), Lakers-Rockets (9:30 ET) and Spurs-Clippers (10 ET).

The Hawks and Magic enter on nine and seven-game winning streaks, respectively, making this divisional clash extra-special. Enjoy the festivities!

Here’s tonight’s complete slate: