The Orlando Magic will visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Christmas Day this season, the team announced, marking the fourth straight Christmas, and ninth overall in franchise history, the Magic will play in the national spotlight on the holiday. Tipoff between Orlando and Oklahoma City is set for 8 PM on ESPN, with the Magic's local television partner to be announced at a later time. It'll mark the first game of the season for both teams.
The Magic/Thunder tilt is the fourth of five Christmas Day games. The full slate of games, per the NBA:
Noon, TNT: Boston Celtics at New York Knicks
2:30, ABC: Miami Heat at Dallas Mavericks
5, ABC: Chicago Bulls at Los Angeles Lakers
8, ESPN: Orlando Magic at Oklahoma City Thunder
10:30, ESPN: Los Angeles Clippers at Golden State Warriors
In its history, Orlando is 0-2 in Christmas Day games played on the road. Last season's visit to Oklahoma City ended in defeat, 125-124, despite 39 points and 18 rebounds from Dwight Howard. Thunder All-Stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook combined for 68 points on 24-of-39 (61.5 percent) shooting.
In addition, the Magic announced they will play two preseason games against the Miami Heat, with a visit to Miami scheduled for December 18th at 6 and a home date set for December 21st at 7. Tickets for Orlando's preseason home game against Miami will go on sale on December 10th as part of the team's Select-A-Seat event; single-game tickets go on sale the week of December 12th.