Orlando Magic Daily
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10 must-see Orlando Magic games for 2017 season

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Feb 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) celebrates with guard Elfrid Payton (4), guard Victor Oladipo (5) and guard Mario Hezonja (23) after he dunks against the Philadelphia 76ers during second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 130-116. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) celebrates with guard Elfrid Payton (4), guard Victor Oladipo (5) and guard Mario Hezonja (23) after he dunks against the Philadelphia 76ers during second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 130-116. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Evan Fournier, Orlando Magic, Joe Johnson, Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat
Apr 10, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (center) drives to the basket past Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (left) and forward Joe Johnson (right) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Oct. 26 vs. Miami Heat

There is nothing like opening night. The first game of the season is always the one we look forward to most. And this one is a doozy.

Whether anyone likes to admit it or not, the Miami Heat are a rival and this is a big way to start the season. It feels like the Heat are on the way down and the Magic are trying to make their way up. There is a chance for the Magic climb out of the basement in the Southeast Division.

To do that they have to start somewhere beginning with last year’s champs — a team that underwent change itself.

No one knows what to make of the Miami Heat anymore. The comfortable stalwart of Dwyane Wade is gone to Chicago. Chris Bosh‘s health is still up in the air. Who knows if Goran Dragic and Hassan Whiteside can carry the team on their own.

The Southeast Division feels as open as ever. Someone will have to grab it and all five teams seem to be in that middle bunch of teams in the Eastern Conference.

Playing the Heat has meaning for the Magic too. Orlando has defeated Miami just twice since the rebuild began. Every win over the Heat has meaning.

Getting out to a 1-0 start and setting this tone for the season is absolutely important and exciting.

In the very first game, the Magic will be able to show who they are and whether their defense will work at the level they believe. This will be quite the first impression.

Next: Family time