The Orlando Magic are set to log more miles in the air than any other NBA team this season, according to Chris Gunther of Charting Hoops.
Gunther reported that the Magic will cover over 53,000 miles during the 2025–26 campaign, nearly twice the circumference of the globe. A major factor is their round trip to Europe, where they will face the Memphis Grizzlies in Berlin on January 15 and in London on January 18.
The NBA has given both teams three days to adjust to the overseas trip, but the travel still stands out as the most demanding on the schedule. These international games are part of the league’s ongoing Global Games initiative, which also includes a November 1 matchup between the Detroit Pistons and Dallas Mavericks in Mexico City.
The Magic’s travel load raises questions about how such mileage could affect team performance. Gunther noted that data from recent years shows teams often see dips in winning percentage during their heaviest travel months compared to their season averages.
In contrast, when travel is limited, teams tend to perform slightly better. While factors like home-court advantage play a role, extended flights and back-to-backs remain challenges that scheduling has not always addressed.
One example Gunther pointed to came last season when the Phoenix Suns were scheduled to return 1,300 miles from Minnesota to host the Magic the following day. The Suns lost by 10, underscoring how tight turnarounds combined with long flights can influence outcomes.
For Orlando, the 2025–26 schedule is further complicated by participation in the NBA Cup group stage between October 31 and November 28. That adds additional high-stakes games early in the year before the team begins its overseas journey.
The NBA regular season tips off on October 21, with the All-Star Game scheduled for February 15 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. The postseason begins with the play-in tournament on April 14, followed by the playoffs starting April 18.
