If the Magic want to compete for a title at some point, they are going to have to go through the Heat.

For Magic fans ready to forgive, they will be eager to see Howard get a deserved title.

Through the next few months, the Magic were not so successful, splitting their next 36 games with 18 wins and 18 losses. The Heat are the Magic’s closest geographical rival.

To say the least, the Lakers and Heat are probably the two most despised teams by hardcore Magic fans. The Magic compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the league's Eastern Conference Southeast Division. But they were ousted in six games by the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the 2011 NBA Playoffs, the first time head coach Stan Van Gundy was eliminated early in the playoffs. After playing in three preseason games, he underwent surgery to correct the hernia and would not appear during the regular season until mid-December, to which he lasted a month before attempting to make another comeback in February and early March, however he only played sporadically. After winning its first game, the Magic lost 19 consecutive games, setting a franchise record. This is the fourth model in franchise history. With the 3rd seed in the Eastern Conference, they were matched up in their first round playoff series against the Toronto Raptors. While the Magic won the opening game, Milwaukee won the next four ending the Magic's season in round one for the second year in a row. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images). The final few weeks of the season saw the Magic build momentum and confidence with an impressive late push towards the Playoffs. Build your custom FanSided Daily email newsletter with news and analysis on Orlando Magic and all your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and more. [35] The Magic were in the playoffs for the first time, ranked the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference; however, the Pacers swept the Magic 3–0 in the first round, thus ending the Magic's season. But we are all basketball fans. Miami has had more sustained success, winning seven of the past 10 Southeast Division titles.

He struggled in his lone year with the Los Angeles Lakers, leaving in free agency for the Houston Rockets. [28] Skiles was named the NBA's Most Improved Player at the end of the season, as the Magic heralded the NBA's most improved record that season. However, WOEX (the former WDBO-FM) still simulcasts Magic games in Central Florida. Unlike the three other uniforms, a different striping pattern will be used on the sides.

And things got worse the following year with the Magic bottoming out against at 25 wins. On August 29, the Magic signed free agent guard E'Twaun Moore. While the Magic won their first playoff game in seven years, the Toronto Raptors won the series 4–1. Below, we look at the BetMGM betting odds of the Magic winning the NBA Championship once play resumes with a 22-team format in Orlando, Fla. later this summer.. Orlando Magic season recap. On February 21, 2013, the Magic traded JJ Redick, Ish Smith and Gustavo Ayón to the Milwaukee Bucks. His idea is for players to take individual responsibility but pack the paint and close off shots near the basket. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images). A lot of the Magic’s future is still riding on Bamba’s defensive development. 1d - High-scoring games haven't helped Lakers, NBA Finals viewership, 1d - Lakers' most intriguing matchups next season, 2d - Jeanie Buss gives credit to the Lakers' 'very collaborative' front office, 2d - Los Angeles Lakers: 2 trades to get the Lakers into the lottery, A role that he frankly hated as a starter, 2020 Orlando Magic Draft Preview: Cole Anthony is the home run pick, Orlando Magic Value Tracker: Comparing cap sheets and seeking value, Orlando Magic Rumors: Orlando Magic among teams aiming to move up in the NBA Draft, Orlando Magic Daily Mailbag Volume 40: The winds of change are near, 2020 Orlando Magic Draft Preview: Deni Avdija is the versatile pick at the top of the Draft, It is tricky and requires some incredible scouting and drafting, Undertaker on Possible WWE Match vs. Sting: 'That Window Kind of Closed', Orlando Magic's offense still the team's biggest problem, Orlando Magic need to be more comfortable being uncomfortable, 2020 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Wesley Iwundu still there in emergencies. The Orlando Magic are an American professional basketball team based in Orlando, Florida.

In addition, Nelson, after a slow start, developed into a talented player, taking over the starting point guard position.