While the Orlando Magic won't make many appearances on national television during the 2013-14 NBA season, the opening game to their 25th year is the first contest on the entire schedule that was released Tuesday.
Before TNT begins its first doubleheader telecast the night of Oct. 29, the Magic will tip things off on the road against the Indiana Pacers. It will mark a homecoming for guard Victor Oladipo, who was drafted second overall by Orlando after a three-year career at Indiana University, as well as a challenge for a team coming off a 62-loss season in having to face the team which took the Miami Heat to seven games in the Eastern Conference finals.
The Magic will also finish the season against the Pacers at home the night of April 16. In between, they will play 18 back-to-back games, host a season-long six-game homestand from Dec. 18-31, and be shown on ESPN against the Detroit Pistons on Feb. 5. While TNT is not carrying the Magic at all, FOX Sports Florida will televise 81 of the 82 regular-season games.
The home opener takes place Nov. 1 against the rechristened New Orleans Pelicans. That also starts a stretch of four games in a row at home. Included are visits Nov. 3 by the Brooklyn Nets, who have added Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce to their roster, and Nov. 6 by the Los Angeles Clippers, now being coached by Doc Rivers.
The two-time defending champion Miami Heat will make both of their appearances during the first half of the season the nights of Nov. 20 and Jan. 4. And those itching for a first look at Dwight Howard in a Houston Rockets uniform will need to circle March 5 on their calendars.
After hosting the Heat on New Year's Eve last season in a game that went into overtime, the Magic will take on Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors this Dec. 31. Tipoff will be at 5 p.m.
The Magic's longest stretch of games away from the Amway Center will take place earlier that month, when they play six times from Dec. 2-11. The trip will take them to Washington, Philadelphia, New York, Houston, Memphis and Charlotte.
The Magic are scheduled to open training camp in Orlando on Oct. 1.
You can follow Ken Hornack on Twitter @HornackFSFla
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