The Magic are expecting to be contenders in the Eastern Conference this season, hoping to build on their most successful season in 12 years when they won 52 games and reached the second round of the playoffs.

The Magic, who played well in the exhibition schedule, looked like a team that had not been playing together for very long. And they also looked like a team that was overconfident, which is not a good sign for a team expected to win this season.

"We got our butts kicked, from myself on down," said Magic center Dwight Howard, who had three of his shots blocked in the opener. "This was an eye-opener for us."

Although Magic coach Stan Van Gundy has been talking throughout the month about how much he liked his team's attitude and hustle in practice, he didn't like what he saw in the opener.

He doesn't mind being beaten, but he hates being out-hustled like his team was, which means a grueling practice is coming Thursday before the next game.

HAWKS 99, MAGIC 85: The Hawks jumped on the Magic quickly Wednesday night, clearly out-hustled them throughout the game and breezed to an easy victory. Magic center Dwight Howard had a great statistical game, getting 22 points, 15 rebounds, five blocks and five steals, but it wasn't enough. His slow start allowed the Hawks to jump ahead quickly and they never slowed down to let the Magic catch up.