Toronto Raptors: 5 can’t-miss games from 2020-21 first-half schedule
3. Orlando Magic at Raptors – Jan. 31, 2021
On the last day of January, the Raptors will have to contend with the pesky Orlando Magic and, possibly, a hostile home crowd.
So far, the Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies and Utah Jazz have committed to having fans in attendance. NBA fans in Tampa think there could be a shot that Amalie Arena opens its doors in December, and Shams Charania believes that more teams will announce attendance plans down the line.
As of now, the NBA is expecting 5-to-10 teams to host an amount of fans in their arenas to start the 2020-21 season, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 16, 2020
The Magic themselves are currently working on a plan to allow socially distanced fans into the Amway Center, with season ticket holders getting first dibs.
If (and it’s a big if) Amalie Arena opens up, the Raptors’ game against the Magic takes on a whole new level of interest. With Orlando being situated just over an hour’s drive from Tampa, those who have taken up the “We The South” banner might find themselves outnumbered in their “home building.”
If fans are to be permitted into Amalie Arena, they’ll be a talking point all year. Could snowbirds show up to support the Raptors if they take up their winter housing down south? Due to the typical age range of that population, I would hope not, but hey, anything’s possible in the Sunshine State.
On the court, Orlando and Toronto have plenty to play for. The two Eastern Conference foes are only a season removed from playing each other in the playoffs. Both will be contending for post-season spots again this season.