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8 Stretches in the 2017-18 Schedule that can make or break the Orlando Magic’s season

By Jonathan Treadway

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 29: Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic shoots a lay up against the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 29, 2017 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 29: Evan Fournier
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 29: Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic shoots a lay up against the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 29, 2017 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 29: Evan Fournier /
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Evan Fournier, Orlando Magic, Oklahoma City Thunder
ORLANDO, FL – MARCH 29: Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic shoots a lay up against the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 29, 2017 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

After much eagerness and anticipation, the wait is finally over.

The NBA released the Orlando Magic’s 2018 schedule on Aug. 14. And it is chock full of interesting notes.

As many know, the season is starting earlier this year. There is fewer back to back games and more time for player rest. The league completely eliminated stretches of four games in five nights. It should afford for better play overall.

That should create better balance in the schedule and eliminate the dreaded “schedule losses” that pop up when fatigue just becomes too much to take on.

The Magic have done their part to try to improve the roster. Even with limited cap space to spend, Orlando seemed to do a good job building better depth. If the starting lineup continues its strong play  from the end of last season, it could lead to some surprising results. But Orlando still seems a flawed team. The Magic will have to navigate a difficult schedule, for sure.

While the Magic look to improve this season and take advantage of a significantly weaker Eastern Conference, there are always stretches in the season that can make or break the year.

As we look forward to the start of the new season, here are eight stretches in the Magic’s season that could lead either to a very successful or miserable year.