Orlando Magic faces the toughest travel schedule for the NBA – Basketball Insider
Aerial season
The Orlando Magic will log in more air miles than any other NBA team in the upcoming season. According to Chris Gunther’s research chartOrlando’s schedule requires nearly 50,000 miles of travel, which is equal to two rounds around the world.
Heavy loads separate magic from a lighter schedule. Indiana Pacers, for example, will be 18,000 miles more than Orland.
International travel increases burden
The key reason for Orlando travel requirements is its international slate. In January, the Magic will play two games overseas with the Memphis Grizzlies. The first will be held in Berlin on January 15, followed by a showdown in London on January 18. These four days take up thousands of miles.
Gunther’s analysis highlights how travel affects performance. “The results are a bit mixed, but there is some evidence over the past three seasons that when teams don’t travel much in a given month, their winning percentage increases compared to the average length of the season. Instead, their winning percentage drops in the months with the most travels.”
Youth on Orlando
The Magic’s roster is one of the youngest in the league and can help the team handle demand better than the veterans’ heavyweight squad. However, Gunther notes that 50,000 miles can challenge any team regardless of age. Back-to-back games add difficulties as fewer teams travel in those stretches.
Geographical disadvantages
Orlando shares this unfortunate difference with other teams away from the league center. The Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors all ranked at the top of the mileage list. Their distance from many NBA markets forces long distance flights throughout the season. For Orlando, even a trip to Portland covers 2,526 miles.
Tests by Jamahl Mosley Squad
Magic has faced attention to healthy and efficient shooting. Now, the league’s toughest travel schedule is another obstacle. Head coach Jamahl Mosley is tasked with keeping his young team fresh, focused and competitive while managing fatigue in continuous flight.
The schedule has been set. For Orlando, success may depend on how well the team adapts to life in the air.
