Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsWednesday, August 5, 2026

Magic Vs. Thunder: Game Time, TV Coverage And More

Dwight Howard is still in Orlando as the Magic travel to face off against the Thunder on Christmas Day in Primetime.

In the first game of what's sure to be a season filled with speculation and rumors surrounding the future landing spot of All-World center Dwight Howard, the Orlando Magic will visit the Oklahoma City Thunder in the primetime installment of the NBA's annual Christmas Day showcase.

While all the news and eyes will be focused on Howard, the Thunder have had a quiet offseason — save for Kevin Durant dominating the pickup and flag football circuit — but considering this still very young team made the Western Conference Finals last season, another year of playing together, especially with Kendrick Perkins helping along the development on the astonishingly athletic Serge Ibaka, should be enough to go even farther this year.

On the other side of the court, the Magic will have a dark cloud circling over their heads until Howard either finds a new home or, in a far less likely scenario, decides to stay put. They added Glen Davis by giving up Brandon Bass, in what can best be described as a lateral move, and re-acquired Jason Richardson. Until Howard's situation is resolved, however, it figures to be a major distraction.

Game Date/Time: Sunday, Dec. 25, 8 p.m. ET

Location: Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, Okla.

TV: ESPN (National)

For updates and analysis for these two teams, visit Thunder blog Welcome To Loud City and Magic blog Orlando Pinstriped Post.

See More:

More in NBA

NBA
NBA free agent predictions for biggest names still availableNBA free agent predictions for biggest names still available
NBA

Let’s predict the landing spots for the NBA’s top remaining free agents.

By Ricky O'Donnell
NBA
7 NBA teams who will be way better than last year7 NBA teams who will be way better than last year
NBA

These NBA teams are going to be a lot better in the upcoming season than they were last year.

By Ricky O'Donnell
NBA
Why LeBron James chose the 76ers in NBA free agency, and his big bet on Jaylen BrownWhy LeBron James chose the 76ers in NBA free agency, and his big bet on Jaylen Brown
NBA

LeBron James *really* wanted to play with Jaylen Brown

By Ricky O'Donnell
NBA
NBA Reacts: Are the LeBron Sixers the best team in the East?NBA Reacts: Are the LeBron Sixers the best team in the East?
NBA

The 76ers have more talent than anyone in the Eastern Conference, but will it turn into enough wins to win the East?

By Kyle Thele
NBA
Steph Curry to the Hornets is the wild NBA rumor that might have legsSteph Curry to the Hornets is the wild NBA rumor that might have legs
NBA

This makes so much sense, and it’s so irresponsible.

By James Dator