The Magic opened 2026-27 with a 132-125 loss to Atlanta, the same way the franchise began in 1989 with a 111–106 defeat to the New Jersey Nets. That first team won its next game two days later, and this one gets the same turnaround against Minnesota, a club that entered the league in the same expansion class.
The franchise's first opener ended in a loss, and its first win came two days later.
On November 4, 1989, the Magic lost 111–106 to the New Jersey Nets, then beat the New York Knicks 118–110 two days later. That roster finished 18–64. This one is not an expansion team. It went 45-37 last season, and on Wednesday it led by as many as 10 points in a game with 22 lead changes. So the fix is narrower than it was in 1989. The Orlando Sentinel reported that Atlanta scored 24 points off 20 Orlando turnovers, and Sean Sweeney told the paper the defense can do "a much better job."
Minnesota arrives as a sibling from the same expansion class.
Orlando, Charlotte, Miami and Minnesota joined the league together, and the Magic's ownership group paid a $32.5 million expansion fee to get in. Thirty-seven seasons later, the Timberwolves come in 1-0 after going 49-33 last season, while Orlando sits at 0-1. ESPN noted that Anthony Edwards is coming off a 45-point game. Minnesota will be without Donte DiVincenzo, who has a right Achilles injury.
The 1990s Magic peaked when two young stars grew up together, and that is the model again.
Orlando won the 1992 lottery and took Shaquille O'Neal, then landed Penny Hardaway in the Chris Webber trade. Together they reached the Finals in 1994–95 at 57–25. The current core was also built mostly through the draft, around Paolo Banchero, 23, and Franz Wagner, 25. Banchero's opener showed how far he has come: 35 points on 10-of-12 shooting and 10 assists. It also showed what he still has to fix, with six turnovers in 41 minutes and a -9.
A year ago today Orlando won a close one, and close games turn on the guards.
On this date last season the Magic beat Miami 125-121, and in 2018 they won 93-90 at Boston. Against Atlanta, Orlando's guards were the weak spot. Jalen Suggs went 2-of-8 and finished a team-worst -13. Help may come quickly. Jonathan Isaac and Anthony Black were both upgraded from out and are projected to return Friday. Black averaged 15.0 points last season.
When do the Magic play next?
Orlando hosts the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, October 23, two days after the 132-125 loss to Atlanta.
Have the Orlando Magic ever won a championship?
No. In 37 seasons Orlando has made 19 playoff appearances and reached the Finals in 1994–95 and 2009 without winning a title.
