Dyson Daniels and the Atlanta Hawks are hosting the Orlando Magic on NBC Sports Network and Peacock with both teams on hot streaks.
Monday’s NBA action is headlined by a compelling matchup between the Atlanta Hawks and the Orlando Magic, both riding impressive winning streaks. Enjoy all the action with the NBA.com live blog, bringing you every key moment and update from around the league.
What to Watch on Monday Night:
- The Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks tip off on NBC Sports Network and Peacock at 7 ET, with both teams bringing seven and nine-game winning streaks into the contest, respectively.
- Following that, the Los Angeles Lakers visit the Houston Rockets on NBC Sports Network and Peacock at 9:30 ET. Houston previously claimed the only victory in the season series against the Lakers.
- Rounding out the night, Kawhi Leonard and the LA Clippers welcome Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs to the Intuit Dome at 10 ET.
MARCH 16, 2026 // 8:05 ET
Hawks Extend Lead
Atlanta has built its largest lead of the game, moving ahead 53-37 over Orlando with 4:59 remaining in the second quarter.
The home crowd is providing a significant boost for the Hawks.
“All vibes here in Atlanta,” said Michael Grady. “Atlanta basketball, red-hot right now.”
MARCH 16, 2026 // 7:57 ET
The Jalen Suggs Impact
The Orlando Magic are 27-16 when Jalen Suggs is in the lineup this season – a 62.8% winning percentage. That kind of success would place Orlando fourth in the Eastern Conference and sixth in the NBA overall.
MARCH 16, 2026 // 7:50 ET
Suns Challenge Celtics
Phoenix is pushing Boston early, leading 20-13 with 7:24 left in the first quarter, forcing a timeout from Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla after a three-pointer from Collin Gillespie (3 pts).
Jayson Tatum (5 pts) is off to a strong start for Boston.
MARCH 16, 2026 // 7:45 ET
Blazers Surge Against Nets
Portland has jumped out to an early 10-2 lead, fueled by contributions from Jerami Grant (5 pts) and Jrue Holiday (3 pts).
start us off JG 3️⃣❗️ pic.twitter.com/p3n5DWLVps
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) March 16, 2026
Holiday, averaging 16.4 ppg this season, has scored over 20 points in three of his last five games.
MARCH 16, 2026 // 7:40 ET
Hawks Seize Control Early
Nickeil Alexander-Walker (14 pts) scored the last nine points of the quarter for Atlanta, giving the Hawks a 34-21 lead at the end of the first quarter on NBC Sports Network and Peacock.
The Magic are utilizing their bench early, with Jamal Cain, Noah Penda, Moritz Wagner and Jevon Carter seeing first-quarter minutes. Franz Wagner, Anthony Black and Jonathan Isaac are unavailable for tonight’s game.
“We missed some really good shots. Hopefully those will fall, but we need to continue to attack the paint,” said Magic assistant coach Bret Brielmaier after the period, discussing the team’s offensive rhythm.
MARCH 16, 2026 // 7:33 ET
Alexander-Walker Shines
Nickeil Alexander-Walker (8 pts) is the game’s leading plus-minus at +10, as the Hawks take a 23-19 lead with 2:48 remaining in the first quarter.
Hot start for Nickeil! pic.twitter.com/hxXxTonN2t
— Atlanta HaWWWWWWWWWks (@ATLHawks) March 16, 2026
Jonathan Kuminga is at the scorer’s table, ready to check in for his first action since Thursday’s game against the Nets, as Atlanta looks to extend its lead on NBC Sports Network and Peacock. Meanwhile, Buddy Hield has playfully taken possession of Jordan Cornette’s microphone courtside.
The atmosphere is electric!
MARCH 16, 2026 // 7:30 ET
Draymond Green on a Triple-Double Watch
Draymond Green (5 pts, 5 reb, 2 ast) is off to a strong start as the Warriors lead the Hawks 23-19 with 3:33 left in the first quarter.
Booooom 💪
📺 @NBCSAuthentic pic.twitter.com/cexLP5CArC
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) March 16, 2026
Trae Young (7 pts) is the game’s leading scorer, even as Kristaps Porziņģis (5 pts) is making his presence felt.
MARCH 16, 2026 // 7:15 ET
Hawks Open with a Run
Atlanta is on a 9-0 run to take a 14-7 lead with just under seven minutes to go in the first quarter on NBC Sports Network and Peacock.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker (8 pts) is off to a quick start, while Jalen Johnson and Paolo Banchero are beginning to find their rhythm.
Banchero has been guarded by Dyson Daniels so far – it will be interesting to see if he can establish his game against the smaller defender.
MARCH 16, 2026 // 6:30 ET
Power Forward Matchup: Banchero vs. Johnson
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 league’s premier power forwards, both products of Duke University, and key players on rising contenders in the Eastern Conference.
Banchero tends to isolate more – averaging 3.1 ppg on 3.5 possessions per game, compared to 1.3 ppg on 1.8 possessions per game for Johnson – utilizing his polished skillset and strong frame to create in the midrange and at the rim. When he’s on, he’s a difficult one-on-one matchup for anyone in the league.
Johnson is a more versatile creator – his assist percentage of 33.4% ranks 26th in the NBA, while Banchero is 105th at 22.7% – with a smooth game that complements the Hawks’ strong spacing and varied attack under Quin Snyder. He excels 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
Eight-Game Slate Kicks Off!
Paolo Banchero and the Magic host Jalen Johnson and the Atlanta Hawks to open our slate tonight on NBC Sports Network and Peacock.
Tonight’s schedule is highlighted by three games on Peacock – Hawks-Magic (7 ET), Lakers-Rockets (9:30 ET) and Spurs-Clippers (10 ET).
The Hawks and Magic enter tonight’s game on impressive winning streaks, making this divisional matchup even more significant. Enjoy the action!
Here’s tonight’s complete schedule:
