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Two teams with identical records collide in Florida on Friday, when the Miami Heat play host to the Orlando Magic. Both teams have 21 wins and 16 losses and will look to get back on track after losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves, respectively.
Miami is seventh in the East while Orlando is eighth, but a victory can elevate them to fourth place. The Indiana Pacers, who have won two in a row, are a game ahead with a 22-15 record.
The Heat won their first game against the Magic this season three weeks ago, winning 115-106 on the road win. Both teams could be short-handed and have key players unavailable.
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Orlando Magic vs Miami Heat injury reports
Orlando Magic injury report for January 12, 2024
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The Orlando Magic will have star forward Franz Wagner out with a right ankle sprain, and the same goes for Gary Harris (right calf strain) and Jonathan Isaac (illness).
Meanwhile, Wendell Carter Jr. is questionable, as he has been dealing with tendinitis in his right knee.
Miami Heat injury report for January 12, 2024
The same goes for the Heat, who have listed Jimmy Butler (right first MP joint sprain) and Kyle Lowry (left hand sprain) as doubtful.
Tyler Herro (right shoulder strain) and Caleb Martin (right ankle sprain), meanwhile. are questionable.
Orlando Magic vs Miami Heat starting lineups and depth charts
Orlando Magic starting lineup and depth chart for January 12, 2024
Barring any setbacks, the Orlando Magic will have Jalen Suggs and Chuma Okeke share the backcourt positions, with Caleb Houstan as small forward and Paolo Banchero as power forward. Goga Bitadze will be the starting center.
Considering that, here's the Magic's depth chart and starting lineup for Friday's game vs the Heat:
Miami Heat starting lineup and depth chart for January 12, 2024
Should Tyler Herro play on Friday, he will be a starter alongside Jaime Jaquez Jr (guard), Haywood HighSmith (forward), Nikola Jovic (forward) and Bam Adebayo (center).
Orlando Magic vs Miami Heat key matchups
The Orlando Magic will rely a lot on their backcourt line of Jalen Suggs and Cole Anthony to take control of the game. Their battle with Tyler Herro and Rookie of the Year candidate Jaime Jaquez Jr. will be key in the matchup.
The same goes for Magic star Paolo Banchero and Heat superstar Bam Adebayo, who are expected to run most plays for their teams, especially with Wagner out for Orlando and Butler likely unavailable for Miami.
Duncan Robinson and Kevin Love will be crucial for the Heat off the bench. The same goes for Orlando center Moritz Wagner, who had 21 points and eight rebounds vs the Timberwolves.
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