Mar 28, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) celebrates after scoring against the Charlotte Bobcats at Amway Center. Center.The Magic won 110-105 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports
The 2014-15 Orlando Magic schedule was released yesterday and there are plenty of attractive games for Magic fans to look forward to.
Here are the top five games that fans will be waiting for in no particular order:
October 30 vs Washington Wizards
The home opener is always one of the highlights of the season and this year is no different, although it will be the teams second game of the season. It’ll give fans the first chance to see new draft picks Aaron Gordon and Elfrid Payton as well as free agent signings Channing Frye and Ben Gordon. Of course, fans will be excited to see their returning young nucleus that includes Victor Oladipo, Tobias Harris and Nikola Vucevic.
December 26 vs Cleveland Cavaliers
This will be the first time LeBron James returns to Orlando since he left the Magic’s in state rival Miami Heat after a successful four-year stint with the team. Marking down James’ visit to Orlando is always one of the highlights and it will carry extra meaning this season as he returns to his native Cavaliers. While the Magic are glad James is no longer in the division, they’ll still face LBJ and company four times this year.
January 31 vs Dallas Mavericks
While fans are excited to see Mavs legend Dirk Nowitzki, all eyes will be on former Orlando point guard Jameer Nelson who will make his highly anticipated return to Orlando. Nelson spent ten years with the Magic and is considered one of the greatest players in franchise history. He ranks near the top in all franchise offensive records and his off-court work had a big affect on the community. The Magic waived Nelson during the offseason and he signed a two-year deal with Mavericks.
December 30 vs Detroit Pistons
Another former Magic star returns to town but this time it’s in the form of coach Stan Van Gundy. Considered by many to be the franchise’s greatest ever-coach (he has 311 wins), Van Gundy led the Magic to three straight Southeast division titles and of course their NBA Finals run during the 2008-09 season. Van Gundy was fired at the end of the 2011-12 season and has remained off the sideline since but will return to the court this upcoming season as the head coach and president of the Pistons. Van Gundy was always a popular figure in Orlando so a rousing reception will be expected as he makes his return to the Amway Center.
February 4 vs San Antonio Spurs
The Magic have a long way to go before they are considered a title contender but a match-up with the defending champs is always fun. However, the Magic haven’t had much success against the Spurs as they are 15-36 lifetime against San Antonio, which is Orlando’s worst winning percentage against any team (.294). Having said that, the chance for Orlando’s young guns to compete against Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobli should be fun. San Antonio don’t come to Orlando until April 1.