The Orlando Magic announced their 2016-17 schedule featuring only four national television appearances. But the team should have the chance to start fast.
The Orlando Magic will open their season Oct. 26 against the Miami Heat as they embark on a critical 2017 season. The Magic made major changes to a roster that has been rebuilding for the last four years. A fifth year would mark the longest stretch for the Magic outside the Playoffs.
While the NBA schedule is always fairly balanced, the Magic will have their work cut out for them to make sure they get to the Playoffs.
With an entirely new roster and a new coach, the Magic will need some time to gain confidence at the beginning of the season and get off to a fast start to keep pace in a packed Eastern Conference and stake a claim to one of those precious Playoff spots.
The road will not be easy.
The Magic start the year with that home opener and then go on a three-game road trip to Detroit, Cleveland and Philadelphia. The Magic will play the majority of their 18 games in October and November at home though — 10 at home and eight on the road.
Orlando plays only five teams that made last year’s Playoffs in October and November and have just two back to backs in that first month. This would seemingly signal there is a good chance for the Magic to get off to a good start.
Likewise, the end will be critical to the Magic’s Playoff bid. After finishing March against Toronto, Oklahoma City and Boston, the Magic close the season in April with a tough stretch of six games. But there are two games against the Brooklyn Nets in addition to games against the Pistons and Bulls. And a final matchup with the Cavaliers on the road to start the month.
A fast start will be absolutely necessary for the team.
The Magic will work largely in anonymity though. The team has a NBA-low four national television appearances — three on NBATV and a March 3 home game against the Heat that will air on ESPN.
Orlando will face 15 back to backs this year. Their longest home stand takes place Feb. 23-March 3, including games against the aforementioned Heat, the Portland Trail Blazers, Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks.
The Magic take their West Coast road trips in January (a six-game, 11-day trip) and in March for a three-game jaunt that includes their date in Oakland with the Golden State Warriors.
Orlando faces the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers at Amway Center just once on March 11 and faces the Golden State Warriors on Jan. 22 in a rare noon start (that is not on national TV).
The Magic’s season concludes April 12 against the Detroit Pistons at the Amway Center.
Tickets for the Orlando Magic’s first half of the season go on sale Oct. 4 at 10 a.m. The beginning of the season is still right around the corner.
All games will be broadcast on FOX Sports Florida.
The NBA schedule is out and the Magic should have every opportunity to get to a fast start and establish their new identity. It will obviously have its ups and downs and the finish could be difficult with two late-season West Coast road trips and a tough kick to the finish line.
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But the path is laid out.