Scott Skiles and the Magic have been bracing for the early part of a schedule that sprouts horns and fangs.
The Magic fell to 0-2 after losing to Oklahoma City on Friday night and Washington on Wednesday night. Four teams who made the playoffs last season await before the quality of opponents lightens.
A slow start doesn't have to lead to a quick end, as Skiles can testify.
There's no greater example of his ability as a turnaround artist than his second season with the Chicago Bulls, who he'll revisit for the first time as Magic coach on Sunday night.