The Orlando Magic open the 2011-12 season on the road with a Christmas night matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder. While certainly not a consensus opinion, many experts and NBA pundits are picking Oklahoma City to represent the Western Conference in the NBA Finals this season. With only two games in a condensed preseason to prepare for the Christmas opener, it will be a tough road test for Dwight Howard and company.
Here is all you need to know for tonight's battle between the Magic and Thunder:
Game Date/Time: Sunday, December 25, 8:00 p.m. ET
Location: Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
TV: ESPN (National)
Probable Starters:
Orlando: PG Jameer Nelson - SG Jason Richardson - SF Hedo Turkoglu - PF Ryan Anderson - C Dwight Howard
Oklahoma City: PG Russell Westbrook - SG Thabo Sefolosha - SF - Kevin Durant - PF Serge Ibaka - C Kendrick Perkins
Game Officials:
Bill Kennedy - Nick Buchert - Derrick Collins
For more news, analysis, and discussion on Orlando, visit SB Nation's Magic blog, Orlando Pinstriped Post. Visit SB Nation's Thunder blog, Welcome to Loud City, for the opponent's perspective. For news and notes from around the league, be sure to follow SB Nation's NBA hub.