Orlando Magic Schedule: 10 Games to Look Forward to

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 2: Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic dribbles the ball against Sergio Rodriguez #14 of the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on December 2, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 2: Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic dribbles the ball against Sergio Rodriguez #14 of the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on December 2, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Dwight Howard, Houston Rockets
ORLANDO, FL – DECEMBER 23: Dwight Howard #12 of the Houston Rockets is introduced before the game against the Orlando Magic on December 23, 2015 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Feb. 14: vs. Charlotte Hornets

The sting has eroded from the “Dwightmare” about half a decade ago, but Dwight Howard games always mean something. Howard is now with the divisional foe Charlotte Hornets and will be coming back to Orlando twice this season.

Last season, the Hornets handled the Magic with ease, sweeping the season series. None of the games were particularly close and Charlotte is trying to win the team’s eighth straight against Orlando when the teams meet for the first time.

Now that Charlotte has a viable center and another strong scoring option in rookie Malik Monk, things may be turning around.

Charlotte took a big step back last season and are going to be looking to return to the postseason. All-Star guard Kemba Walker is still in town and the Hornets also drafted Florida State Seminoles guard Dwayne Bacon to bring another needed offensive boost.

It is hard to forget about the trio of Nicolas Batum, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Marvin Williams. The three forwards all bring different styles to the table that make Charlotte a well-rounded team.

The Hornets are still a pretty talented team despite their recent struggles and will be a tough matchup for the Magic. Hopefully, the Magic can grab a win or two and save face against a strong playoff candidate.