The Toronto Raptors are going back to London, England. The Raptors will face the Orlando Magic in an NBA regular-season game Jan. 14 at the O2 Arena in London, the league announced Wednesday. It will be the sixth league game played at the O2 Arena in the British capital. Before 2011, games in London were only exhibitions. More than 15,000 fans turned out at the O2 last year to watch the Milwaukee Bucks beat the New York Knicks and even Raptors head coach Dwane Casey is looking forward to the Global Games’ latest installment.
“NBA Global Games 2016 in London is a great platform for our players and staff to represent the NBA and bond with Raptors fans overseas,” Casey said. “We look forward to an exciting atmosphere for our game against the Magic.”
Magic officials asked the league to be part of the London contest, according to Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel, citing a good business opportunity. The Magic will be world travelers of sorts this season, as they also play an exhibition game against Brazilian club Flamengo in Rio de Janeiro on Oct. 17. Magic’s Scott Skiles, who was appointed head coach in May, was part of the squad that played in London 22 years ago and says his players will make the most of the opportunity.
“On behalf of the Magic organization, we are looking forward to returning to London for NBA Global Games 2016,” Skiles said. “I remember playing in London with the Magic and I am sure our current players will relish this unique opportunity.”
The Magic played two preseason games in London against the Atlanta Hawks way back in 1993 when their squad featured Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway.
