ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic open their 2026-27 regular season Wednesday night at Kia Center against the Atlanta Hawks, a team that swept all four meetings between the clubs last season, with four players sidelined and a first-year head coach making his NBA debut on the sideline.
Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. ET, and the Magic enter the game having won three straight season openers overall and six consecutive home openers at Kia Center. New head coach Sean Sweeney, whose offensive system emphasizes quick decisions, detailed spacing and mindful playmaking, guided Orlando to a 3-1 preseason record and the second-best assist rate in the NBA at 32.0 per game, along with a third-best offensive rating of 118.1 and the third-best 3-point shooting percentage in the league at 38.8 percent.
“We need to make sure we (keep) knowing what we’re trying to get done each day and be really purposeful in the work,” Sweeney said. “That way, we can make sure we do a good job of improving. Because, as we know, where we are going into the (regular) season is not where we want to finish. We want to keep building each day.”
Forward Franz Wagner, one of Orlando’s primary offensive engines, said the team’s preseason work has built genuine momentum heading into the opener. “There’s the excitement of a new season,” Wagner said. “For us (with) a new staff, there are a lot of exciting things. We’re trying to improve on (last season). So, I think we’re all really eager to get started.”
Atlanta presents a stiff early test. Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who won the NBA’s 2025-26 Most Improved Player award, averaged 28.0 points per game against Orlando last season, tied for his second-highest scoring average against any opponent. The Hawks roster also includes All-Star forward Jalen Johnson and veteran guard CJ McCollum.
“They’ve got a lot of guys with versatile skill sets,” Sweeney said of Atlanta. “They’ve got a lot of shooting. Defensively, they’re a high turnover forcing team. Offensively, they do a good job of running the court. They do a good job of mixing in different actions to get guys shots. And then, they shoot the ball well from three. They’ve got multiple guys that on the catch can really shoot the basketball. And then, they’ve got guys like Jalen Johnson, who’s been All-NBA and can really attack. So, we’re going to have to be ready for everything.”
Orlando will be without guard Anthony Black (right ankle sprain), forward Jonathan Isaac (left knee injury management), Izaiyah Nelson (left ankle injury recovery) and Noah Penda (right partially torn hamstring). Black, who could not reach a contract extension agreement with the team before the season, said his focus remains on contributing. “I’ve still got to do what I need to do. I’m still trying to help the team win. It’s more important than just me. I’m looking forward to having a good season. Making the most out of this year with my team,” Black said. Atlanta will also be shorthanded, missing Mouhamed Gueye (left foot fracture) and Henri Veesaar (right ACL tear).
Limited tickets for Wednesday’s opener remain available at orlandomagic.com or by calling 407-89-MAGIC. The Magic’s next home game follows later in the week as the 2026-27 schedule continues.