{"id":342837,"date":"2026-03-16T23:38:09","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T23:38:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/342837\/"},"modified":"2026-03-16T23:38:09","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T23:38:09","slug":"paolo-bancheros-magic-face-jalen-johnsons-hawks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/342837\/","title":{"rendered":"Paolo Banchero’s Magic face Jalen Johnson’s Hawks"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Jalen Johnson and Paolo Banchero lead the red-hot Hawks and Magic into tonight\u2019s battle on NBC Sports Network and Peacock.<\/p>\n

What we know about Monday night\u2019s games:<\/p>\n

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

MARCH 16, 2026 \/\/ 7:33 ET<\/p>\n

NAW mean?<\/p>\n

Nickeil Alexander-Walker (8 pts) is a game-high +10 so far, as the Hawks take a 23-19 lead with 2:48 to go in the first quarter.<\/p>\n

Hot start for Nickeil! pic.twitter.com\/hxXxTonN2t<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Atlanta HaWWWWWWWWWks (@ATLHawks) March 16, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Jonathan Kuminga is at the scorer\u2019s table to check in for his first action since last Thursday against the Nets, as Atlanta seeks to extend its lead on NBC Sports Network and Peacock, while Buddy Hield has absconded with Jordan Cornette\u2019s microphone court side.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a good time!<\/p>\n

MARCH 16, 2026 \/\/ 7:30 ET<\/p>\n

Draymond Green on triple-double watch<\/p>\n

Green (5 pts, 5 reb, 2 ast) is rolling early as the Warriors take a 23-19 lead over the Hawks with 3:33 to go in the first quarter.<\/p>\n

Booooom \ud83d\udcaa<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcfa @NBCSAuthentic<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/cexLP5CArC<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Golden State Warriors (@warriors) March 16, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Trae Young (7 pts) is the game\u2019s high scorer, while Kristaps Porzi\u0146\u0123is (5 pts) is making his presence known.<\/p>\n

MARCH 16, 2026 \/\/ 7:15 ET<\/p>\n

Hawks running out early on Magic<\/p>\n

Atlanta\u2019s on a 9-0 run to take a 14-7 lead with just under seven minutes to go in the first on NBC Sports Network and Peacock.<\/p>\n

Nickeil Alexander-Walker (8 pts) is out to a quick start, while Jalen Johnson and Paolo Bancero are finding their rhythm.<\/p>\n

Banchero\u2019s been guarded by Dyson Daniels so far \u2014 we\u2019ll see if he can establish his game versus the smaller defender.<\/p>\n

MARCH 16, 2026 \/\/ 6:30 ET<\/p>\n

Elite power forwards at work<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Paolo isolates more \u2014 3.1 ppg on 3.5 possessions per game, compared to 1.3 ppg on 1.8 possession per game for Johnson \u2014 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.<\/p>\n

Johnson is an all-around creator \u2014 his assist percentage of 33.4% ranks 26th in the NBA, while Paolo is 105th at 22.7% \u2014 with a smooth game that easily takes advantage of the Hawks\u2019 strong spacing and varied attack under Quin Snyder. He glides to the rim in transition, often playing bigger than his listed 219 pounds.<\/p>\n

Compare and contrast their games below before they clash tonight.<\/p>\n

MARCH 16, 2026 \/\/ 5:45 ET<\/p>\n

Welcome to an eight-game night in the NBA!
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

Paolo Banchero and the Magic host Jalen Johnson and the Atlanta Hawks to open our slate tonight on NBC Sports Network and Peacock.<\/p>\n

Our journey tonight is highlighted by a trio of games on Peacock \u2014 Hawks-Magic (7 ET), Lakers-Rockets (9:30 ET) and Spurs-Clippers (10 ET).<\/p>\n

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

Here\u2019s tonight\u2019s complete slate:<\/p>\n