RENEWAL TIME

The Orlando Magic will have no increase in ticket prices for the 2002-2003 season, according to a letter the team is mailing to its season ticket-holders.

In addition to keeping most prices the same, and dropping from $46 to $41 the cost of 500 seats in the lower bowl of the TD Waterhouse Centre, the Magic are offering flexible payment plans. Season ticket-holders may pay in one payment, thirds, or monthly over eight months.

A letter from John Weisbrod, the Magic's chief operating officer, touches on the issue of Rich DeVos putting the team up for sale. While admitting "there has been obvious speculation regarding the future of the franchise," Weisbrod wrote that DeVos' announcement last month "will certainly not affect next season in any way."

The Magic have sold out only three of 25 home games this season. There were nearly 3,000 unsold seats Tuesday night for a visit by the New York Knicks, who had a string of sellout appearances in Orlando until recently.

BACK IT UP

The Magic went into Wednesday night not having done well on the second game of back-to-back scheduling arrangements. Their record in such games is 4-8, and playing a well-rested and physical team -- albeit a last-place team -- in the Miami Heat was a concern to Magic coach Doc Rivers.

"I'd rather catch them in a week and a half, maybe after they've dropped a couple," he said. "Right now, they still have hope."

The Magic have swept two of their 12 back-to-backs, winning at Phoenix and Denver on consecutive nights in November and beating New Jersey and Golden State on Jan. 4-5.