Miami Heat vs Orlando Magic Prediction and Betting Tips | Dec. 26, 2024

It's been a rough couple of weeks for the Miami Heat. Between a 2-3 record in their last five games and Jimmy Butler's "preference" to be traded before the deadline, the Eastern Conference outfit has been sailing rough waters that only get rougher. The focus will be on the struggling Heat side as they take on the Orlando Magic amid an equally mixed season host Miami at the Kia Center on Thursday.

The Magic will be without key piece Mo Wagner, who ended his season with an ACL injury. Additionally, they head into the contest utterly short-handed, with Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero, and Gary Harris all ruled out. The Heat are favorites on paper, but Orlando has played a good portion of the season sans a big name in Banchero and is a side fully capable of upsetting the applecart.

Both teams have had contrasting seasons so far. The Heat are coming off a 110-95 win over the Brooklyn Nets, snapping their three-game losing skid. The Magic are coming off brilliant wins over the Heat and against the Boston Celtics. That they did without the Wagner brothers and Banchero comes as a major confidence boost ahead of the marquee clash.

The Magic got the better of the Heat in their last contest, winning 121-114. They also trounced the side 116-97 in their season opener. Orlando plays the Heat two more times this season with one game on Thursday and another final meetup of the regular season in January 2025.

Miami has managed to stay above .500 with a 14-13 record (sixth in the East), while the Magic's healthy 19-12 record sees them sit pretty in fourth seed. Their last 10 games have been 5-5 as both sides, riddled with injuries have dropped contests.

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Miami Heat vs Orlando Magic Preview, Predicted Starting Lineups, Betting Tips, Odds, and Prediction

The Miami Heat vs Orlando Magic tips off at 7:00 pm ET. Local coverage will be on FDSFL and FDSSUN. The game can be streamed live on Fubo TV (regional restrictions may apply) and on the NBA app with a subscription to the NBA League Pass.

Here's a look at the odds as listed ahead of the matchup.

Teams	Spread	Total (o/u)	Moneyline
Miami Heat	+1.5	o208 (-110)	+101
Orlando Magic	-1.5	u208 (-112)	-121

Notes: Odds are subject to change closer to tip-off.

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Miami Heat vs Orlando Magic Preview

The Heat have looked to be legitimate playoff contenders. But with a potential Jimmy Butler exit looming, it will be interesting to see how Miami chart their next course of action. They led by 11 in the first quarter against the Brooklyn Nets but were guilty of allowing the side to claw their way back into the game. However, it was a Bam Adebayo show as he ended with 23 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.

Miami is led by Tyler Herro (23.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.0 assists). Adebayo leads the side with DD2 numbers averaging 16.7 points and 10.0 rebounds. Butler has been propping up 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists. The Heat is 16th in scoring offense averaging 112.1 points per game, and 111.0 points per 100 possessions. They shoot 45.4% from the field (21st in the NBA) and are eighth in the league in 3-point offense (37.4%).

They have been better as a defensive unit, placed sixth in scoring defense allowing 109.4 points per every 100 possessions. They also allow an average of 109.4 points per contest.

The Magic have managed to hold their own on both ends but will find their injury-hit roster going up against one of the best two-way players in the league in Adebayo. They are placed 26th in scoring offense with 107.3 points per contest and averaging 107.2 points per 100 possessions. They are 23rd in field goal offense with 45.2% and are at the bottom of the NBA in 3-point offense shooting just 31.1% of their 3s.

Their defense has been impressive placed second in scoring defense allowing a measly 104.2 points per 100 possessions. They concede 46.3% from the field and 35.8% from beyond the arc.

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Miami Heat vs Orlando Magic Predicted Starting Lineups

The Miami Heat have listed Jimmy Butler (return to conditioning) as doubtful after his illness that saw him miss two games. Terry Rozier (left knee inflammation) is questionable. Josh Richardson (right heel inflammation) is ruled out. Expect the side to play the same side as they did against the Nets.

Position	Player
PG	Tyler Herro
SG	Duncan Robinson
SF	Jaime Jaquez Jr.
PF	Haywood Highsmith
C	Bam Adebayo

The Magic will be without Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner (torn right oblique). Mo Wagner (left ACL) is ruled out for the season. They are likely to be unchanged against Miami.

Position	Player
PG	Jalen Suggs
SG	Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
SF	Trevelin Queen
PF	Tristan De Silva
C	Goga Bitadze

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Miami Heat vs Orlando Magic Betting Tips

Bam Adebayo comes into the contest with an o/u of -125/-106 on points are rebounds. Tyler Herro is +100/-120 on points, and Duncan Robinson is -118/-118 on points and assists. For the Magic, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is -113/-105 on points. Goga Bitadze is -120/-120 on points and boards, and Jalen Suggs is -110/-113 on points and assists.

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Miami Heat vs Orlando Magic Prediction

Fighting injuries will be a challenge for any side, and the Orlando Magic are battered heading into the matchup. They are without three of their four starters and that will be a steep climb to get past the Miami Heat. Even without Butler, Miami is still formidable with Adebayo and Herro in the fold. Take the Heat to win this contest.