This has always been something I have been incredibly interested in as an insecure Magic fan who feels the team gets no respect... at least since Shaquille O'Neal left. But it has upset me even more since I left Orlando for college and now that the Magic are actually, well, good again.

The NBA does not seem to give the Magic the respect they maybe deserve. I realize this series may not have the star power or intrigue (before game one, at least) of some of the other series. But it seems a bit unfair to signal out a few series to take off basic cable. I have a feeling if Game 3 were not on Friday night it too would be relegated to NBATV.

If David Stern is serious about growing some of the brands of his smaller market teams, taking away this playoff visibility is not helping. The Magic can fix all this of course by winning and getting deeper into the postseason, but it is frustrating trying to get everyone to jump on the bandwagon when it is so hard to see.

Maybe I am just being selfish because I cannot watch the biggest games of the year without going to a sports bar outside of Orlando. But you cannot build any national respect or following without showing these games.