OPENING CHALLENGE: Orlando Magic launch season vs. Atlanta Hawks and a CHANCE to make a statement

The Orlando Magic will open their 2026-27 season against the Atlanta Hawks in a game that should already be viewed as critical in their playoff chase. The Hawks won the Southeast Division last year and swept the Magic and figure to be competing for the same spot as Orlando. An opening night win would set the tone for the season. Getting off to a good start will be crucial for the Magic as they try to climb to the top of a crowded Eastern Conference. The Magic should know where they stand very early on in the season. Can Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner push the team into contention? Can they take advantage of a home-heavy finish to the season after the All-Star break and propel the team further? Every game will matter more than ever. And Orlando will not have a moment to lose as the season begins Oct. 21. 00:00 Breaking down Magic's 2026 schedule 04:09 Discussing Atlanta Hawks' offseason moves 08:23 Early season challenges for the Magic 13:36 Checking national TV schedule 19:49 Orlando Magic's back-to-back challenges 24:55 Orlando Magic's season finish strategy 32:25 Hopes for Magic's season success Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.