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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Feb 8, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) tries to control a loose ball going out of bounds in front of Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) and center Nikola Vucevic (9) during overtime at Philips Arena. The Magic defeated the Hawks 117-110 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) tries to control a loose ball going out of bounds in front of Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) and center Nikola Vucevic (9) during overtime at Philips Arena. The Magic defeated the Hawks 117-110 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Jan. 4 vs. Atlanta Hawks

Whether fans like it or not at this point, the Orlando Magic are always going to be tied to Dwight Howard.

Howard has moved on to his third team in five seasons since leaving Orlando as he will play for the Atlanta Hawks this year. His struggles to find his rhythm and regain his stellar play from his Orlando days in Houston flamed out almost completely as the Rockets nearly missed the Playoffs last year.

Howard is still a good player and a player who demands attention and gameplanning, even if he is no longer the player he was in his dominant tenure in Orlando.

For the first time though since Howard left, Orlando has a center who can at least match or simulate the rim protection he left behind when he was traded away. As good as Nikola Vucevic was on the offensive end, even putting in some big games against Howard, the Magic never had anyone who could impact the game defensively like him.

The Hawks will be one of those teams the Magic will be fighting for Playoff positioning. Every one of those games will be important for the team. The emotions of Howard’s return has waned, but now he is a division rival. These games will matter much more signficantly.

Next: Encore?