Magic Schedule Release: 5 Most Important Games
At long last, the Orlando Magic's 2023-24 schedule has been released.
Which games could be the deciding-factor in the Magic becoming a playoff team? Here's are Orlando's five biggest games on the docket that surely everyone will agree with.
Nov. 11 vs. Milwaukee Bucks:
The Milwaukee Bucks represent Orlando's first big test against an Eastern Conference foe. They're also the Magic's final game on a five-game homestand.
A 5-20 start effectively doomed Orlando's chances of being a playoff team before the season even reached the All-Star break last season. If the Magic are going to improve from a young ascending roster to a playoff team, they can't dig themselves in such a big hole to start the 2023-24 season.
The Nov. 11 matchup against Milwaukee represents an opportunity to show the Magic have put their early season struggles in the rear-view mirror. A big win over the Bucks early in the season would be a step in the right direction, and show that Orlando can be a threat in the East.
The Magic were 0-3 against Milwaukee last season.
Nov. 24 vs. Boston Celtics:
Orlando's first game against Boston is also its final in NBA Cup's group stage. For both teams, this could be their last chance to secure a bid in the quarterfinals.
Winning their pool would do wonders for the young roster's confidence. Doing so against the the team that was one game away from the NBA Finals last season would be an added bonus.
Orlando was 3-1 against the Celtics last season.
Feb. 6 @ Miami Heat:
Orlando makes the trip south for its final stop of a five-game road trip in the middle of the season. It's also the Magic's fourth and final game against Miami.
With four meetings against Miami, how Orlando fares against them will play a role in where they stand in the Eastern Conference. Splitting the four games or even winning three games against the defending Eastern Conference champs would be huge for Orlando and its playoff chances.
Orlando was 1-3 against the Heat in 2022-23.
Mar. 13 vs. Brooklyn Nets:
The fourth and final meeting between Orlando and Brooklyn could prove to be the most important.
The Magic and Nets could easily be fighting amongst each other to get into the playoffs. The winner of this game could have the upper-hand for good in the East with just over a month left in the season.
Orlando was 1-2 against the Nets last season, though the Magic were already knocked out of playoff contention by their final meeting.
Apr. 7 vs. Chicago Bulls:
This could wind up being the most important game on Orlando's schedule for the same reasons as its final game against the Nets. The Magic may be in lockstep with the Bulls as they each compete for a spot in the play-in or playoffs.
It's also Orlando's second-to-last home game. They have a three-game road trip against the Houston Rockets, Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers before returning home for the final game of the season against Milwaukee.
The Magic were 14-27 on the road last season. If those road struggles persist into 2023-24, Orlando's final game against the Bulls could be its final chance to sneak into the playoffs.
The Magic were 2-1 against Chicago last season.
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