When Will Magic Play on Christmas Again?

The Orlando Magic hasn't played on Christmas since 2011. When will the team break its streak?

Jeremy Brener | Dec 25, 2023

When Will Magic Play on Christmas Again? /

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Orlando Magic

ORLANDO - The NBA has put coal in the Orlando Magic's stocking for the 12th consecutive year, sidelining the team from Christmas Day action.

The last time the Magic suited up on Christmas was back in 2011, where Dwight Howard and Co. lost to Kevin Durant, James Harden and Russell Westbrook's Oklahoma City Thunder.

Paolo Banchero Dean Wade Cavaliers — Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

The 2011 meeting was the final of four straight years on Christmas for the Magic, who faced the New Orleans Hornets in 2008 and a pair of playoff rematches against the Boston Celtics.

It's hard for a small market team with no contending aspirations to make the Christmas lineup, but with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner looking to lead the team for years to come, can the Magic return for Christmas soon?

“I [say] next year, but if not then for sure Year 3,” Banchero told Khobi Price of the Orlando Sentinel a year ago. “Realistically, I’d say my third year.”

This means a year from now, the Magic should be on the Christmas lineup, per Banchero's desires.

There are two ways for the Magic to get back into the schedule on Dec. 25. It's easy in theory, but harder in execution.

Banchero 'Should Be An All-Star', Says Franz

The Magic needs to develop a rivalry with a team ... preferably a team like the New York Knicks, who are practically guaranteed a spot on the holiday slate. However, the Boston Celtics have grown into a mini-rival for the Magic, and a playoff series between the two can grow the rivalry and add the anticipation for a Christmas matchup.

Simply put, the Magic needs to keep winning in order to get the gift of playing next Dec. 25.

Published Dec 25, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.