Christmas comes early for the Magic and their fans, it seems. Earlier, fans got a sneak peak of the team's new jersey. Now, they learn their team will take part in a key nationally televised game this season.

NewOrleans.com obtained a copy of the Hornets' schedule and reported the team will play the Orlando Magic on Christmas Day. The matchup is simply to die for, as we discussed briefly (second bullet) after the Magic's loss to the Hornets last April Fool's Day.

The Magic hardly played on national television last season. The good news is their signature victory, the one which ended with this incredible buzzer-beating three from Hedo Turkoglu to down the Celtics, appeared there; the bad news is this embarrassing loss to Detroit also took place in front of a national audience. But seeing your team lose is better than not seeing it at all. Most Magic fans in Orlando can't see half the Magic's games due to the ongoing stalemate between FSN Florida and Bright House Networks.

This matchup will increase the Magic's presence on the national stage and possibly generate some hype about their future. Fantastic news for the team, its fans, and NBA fans worldwide.

With a tip of the cap to At The Hive.