The Orlando Magic begin their first extended road trip of the 2011/12 season Sunday when they visit the Sacramento Kings in a matinée at Power Balance Pavillion. Following a humbling loss to the Chicago Bulls, one which Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said indicated "we are not at that level," Orlando takes on a Kings team in the midst of a transition, having just dismissed coach Paul Westphal after two-plus seasons; Westphal compiled a 51-120 record helming the rudderless Kings before his ouster. Incidentally, Sacramento has employed four coaches since the start of the 2007/08 season, when Van Gundy spurned their offer to take over the Magic instead.
Van Gundy isn't the only member of the Magic with ties to Sacramento. Hedo Turkoglu began his career in Kings purple, while Ryan Anderson attended nearby Oak Ridge High School and grew up a Kings fan, rooting for Peja Stojakovic in particular.
The Kings are coming off a stellar comeback victory againt the Milwaukee Bucks, one in which they outscored Milwaukee by 17 in the final frame to take home a three-point win. The starting backcourt of Tyreke Evans and Marcus Thornton combined for 53 points.
Tipoff is set for 6 PM Eastern on Sun Sports.
| 2011/2012 NBA Season | ||
|---|---|---|
 | @ |  |
| 5-2 (1-2 away) Lost 1 | 2-5 (3-2 home) Won 1 | |
| January 8th, 2012 | ||
| Power Balance Pavillion | ||
| 6:00 PM | ||
| Sun Sports | ||
| Probable Starters | ||
| Jameer Nelson | PG | Tyreke Evans |
| Jason Richardson | SG | Marcus Thornton |
| Hedo Turkoglu | SF | John Salmons |
| Ryan Anderson | PF | J.J. Hickson |
| Dwight Howard | C | DeMarcus Cousins |
| 2010/11 Advanced Stats | ||
| 91.4 (17th) | Pace | 95.2 (4th) |
| 107.7 (T-14th) | ORtg | 103.5 (25th) |
| 101.8 (3rd) | DRtg | 109.0 (19th) |
| Game Officials | ||
| Bill Kennedy | ||
| J.T. Orr | ||
| Michael Smith | ||