This Week in Magic: Week One Tip Off in Orlando

Opening week is upon us and I must admit, I am psyched. This season is full of promise for the Orlando Magic.

This final week of October is unique in the sports realm in that all four major sporting leagues are currently active.

The World Series gets under way on Wednesday as the Yankees face the Phillies to close out the MLB season.

The NFL season is rapidly approaching the mid-point and, as usual, has it's share of drama.

Just a few weeks ago, the NHL dropped the puck to begin their season.

Now it's time for some hoops and Orlando Magic fans are chomping at the bit.

This Week in Magic is a segment in which we will take a look at the coming week's in Orlando Magic basketball. We will also wrap up the events of the previous week to keep you current.

Be sure to follow Waylon's World as I aim to bring you loads of info, laughs, and some opinions. Remember, also, to follow me on Twitter at waylons_world.

Wed. Oct. 27 vs. Philadelphia 76ers

To get the 2009-10 season started, the Philadelphia 76ers roll into Orlando for a rematch of round one of last season's playoffs. That was a series that gave the Magic some trouble and finally ended in game six.

Much of the problem against Philly came in the form of SG Andre Igoudala. "Iggy" averaged over 21 points, 6 boards and 6 assists over the course of the six games. Vince Carter will have to stop by the Fountain of Youth if he plans to keep up with this kid.

One player the Sixers didn't have for the playoff set was PF Elton Brand. A mid-season shoulder injury shelved Brand for the rest of the year. Elton Brand will be playing to prove that his 2008 signing was worth every penny. Look for Brand to have a big year.

With true center Samuel Dalembert providing defense in the front court, Philly fills in the gaps with youth. SF Thaddeus Young made quite an impact with the team last season and hopes that C Marreese Speights and rookie SG Jrue Holiday will do the same this season.

Philadelphia looks to make the season opener a tough one. The Magic will be prepared for a battle.

Fri. Oct. 30 @ New Jersey Nets

Orlando's biggest offseason move was a blockbuster trade with the New Jersey Nets. The trade gave the Magic SG Vince Carter and the surprisingly good F Ryan Anderson in exchange for PG Rafer Alston, SG Courtney Lee and C Tony Battie.

Carter looks to punish his former team, now led by breakout PG Devin Harris. Another player that made a bid splash in NJ last season was, then rookie, C Brooke Lopez. PF Yi Jianlian shores up the front court.

Newcomers Lee and Alston will help out Harris at the guard positions.

The new look Nets are looking to make some major changes with likely new owner, billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov, who many are already calling the "Russian Mark Cuban". New Jersey is going to make a serious run at LeBron James for next season as they prepare for the move to Brooklyn.

New Jersey will give Orlando some trouble, but the Magic should be equal to the task.

Sun. Nov. 01 @ Toronto Raptors

The biggest offseason loss for Orlando was the departure of F Hedo Turkaglu to the Toronto Raptors. Turkaglu was looking for a big paycheck that the Magic couldn't afford. "Turk" verbally committed to sign with the Portland Trailblazers before surprising everyone by signing with Toronto.

Turkaglu joins an improving and versatile C/F Andrea Bargnani and all-star F Chris Bosh in a stacked front court. Bosh is entering a contract year and will likely test the market next year. Bosh is near the front of a free agent class that includes LeBron James and Dwayne Wade. CB has to prove that he belongs in such elite company.

Jose Calderon is one of the better point guards in the game today and will try to mesh with rookie G/F DeMar DeRozan.

The Raptors will be doing everything in their power to convince Chris Bosh to resign with the team. They are going to be anxious to let Orlando know why they shouldn't have let Hedo Turkaglu go north of the border.