ORLANDO MAGIC BASKETBALL RETURNS – PRE-SEASON IN ATLANTA -

Orlando Magic basketball returns tonight with a pre-season visit to Atlanta to face the Hawks. The UK tip time is 12am midnight. To watch you will need an active NBA League Pass subscription.

THE SEASON BEGINS AS ORLANDO MAGIC BASKETBALL RETURNS

This is the first competitive game for the Orlando Magic since exiting the playoffs on 29th August, losing to Milwaukee.

Since then there have been limited changes to the team personnel as the Magic chose to run it back again.

This game is not about getting a win but about addressing the team’s game, building rhythm and understanding. It is very much part of training camp as the team look to build. The aim is to hit the 2020-2021 season opening night in the Amway against the Miami Heat with understanding and momentum.

FULTZ, CHUMA AND COLE

As Magic fans we will all be excited for the first appearance in Magic uniforms of Cole Anthony and Chuma Okeke. As James Ennis and Terence Ross are missing through minor there appears to be the chance of both getting some extended minutes.

Of further interest is the 3 point shot of Markelle Fultz. There have been videos of his improved release from training camp. Reports also say he is looking more assertive on both ends of the floor. It has to be acknowledged the growth in his game having finally gained a full season of NBA basketball experience.

OUR OPPONENTS

The Hawks have added a whole host of veteran talent during the offseason. They will be looking to use this game as a building block to chemistry.

Atlanta lost some veterans like Vince Carter and Jeff Teague. What they added is impressive. Brought in were Danilo Gallinari, Rajon Rondo, Kris Dunn, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Tony Snell.

They also drafted Onyeka Okongwu at 6. He is a 6ft9 20 year old who can play at forward or centre.

Barring injury issues an Atlanta starting lineup should be:Trae Young, Bogdan Bogdanovic, DeAndre Hunter, John Collins and Clint Capella.

From the bench expect to see Danilo Gallinari, Rajon Rondo, Kris Dunn, Tony Snell, Cam Reddish, Soloman Hill and Onyeka Okongwu.

MAGIC LINEUP

The Magic will be without Mo Bamba, Jonathan Isaac, Terence Ross, James Ennis and Al-Farouq Aminu.

The starting lineup will likely be Markelle Fultz, Evan Fournier, Aaron Gordon, Gary Clark and Nikola Vucevic.

Coach Clifford may spring a surprise or two to that lineup but we will see plenty of rotation from the bench. Expect debuts from Okeke, Anthony and Dwayne Bacon.