Surprise, surprise, the Orlando Magic is off to a strong start in the preseason.
The Magic christened its new arena, Amway Center, with a 135-81 rout of the New Orleans Hornets Sunday, improving to 3-0 in preseason play.
The Magic has won 17 consecutive preseason games, with its last preseason loss coming on Oct. 6, 2008 (vs. Atlanta, 118-101).
Last preseason, the Magic went 8-0, marking the first time in the organization’s history that the team went undefeated in preseason action. Under Stan Van Gundy , the Magic is 23-2 (.920) in preseason outings.
Several other teams are off to fast starts, including the Boston Celtics (3-0), Memphis Grizzlies (3-0) and New Jersey Nets (3-1).
On the other end of the spectrum, the Indiana Pacers (0-3), Philadelphia 76ers (0-3), Los Angeles Lakers (0-2), and New Orleans Hornets (0-2) are each still searching for their first win.
The question of whether preseason success predicts a long run in June, however, likely is best left to the basketball oracles.
— From NBA News
