When Will Magic Play on Christmas Again?
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.
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.
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.
