Orlando Magic to play Toronto Raptors at O2 in January
Wednesday 22 July 2015 16:10, UK
NBA basketball is heading back to London in January as the Orlando Magic and Toronto Raptors face off in a regular season game at the O2 Arena.
The fixture, scheduled for January 14, means a return to the capital for both teams after the Raptors played back-to-back games there in 2011 while the Magic travelled for a pair of pre-season games in 1993.
More than 15,000 fans turned out at the O2 last year to watch the Milwaukee Bucks beat the New York Knicks and Raptors head coach Dwane Casey is looking forward to the Global Games' latest instalment.
"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'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 organisation, we are looking forward to returning to London for NBA Global Games 2016," Skiles said.
"I remember playing in London with the Magic in 1993 and I am sure our current players will relish this unique opportunity."
The Magic finished fifth in last season's Southeast Division, missing out on the play-offs for the third straight year, while the Raptors won the Atlantic Division title before losing to Washington Wizards in the opening round of the play-offs.
