Orlando Magic vs Miami Heat Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 21/12/2024, 00:55  by Joseph King | Modified on 21/12/2024 at 01:02 in NBA Predictions

Saturday’s NBA slate sees a battle for Florida as the Orlando Magic host the Miami Heat at the Kia Center. The Magic (17-12) come into this contest sitting fourth in the East standings while the Heat (13-12) are positioned in sixth place. Here’s our match prediction!

Injuries to Orlando’s two star players has thrown a wrench in what has been a very promising start to the season.

The Magic lost All-Star Paolo Banchero after just five games while second-leading scorer Franz Wagner recently suffered a similar oblique injury. Banchero is getting closer to a return but will miss out here while Wagner is due to be reevaluated in four weeks.

Orlando is coming off a 105-99 home defeat at the hands of the OKC Thunder, marking their third loss in a row. It was also the second consecutive game that the Magic have failed to crack the 100-point mark as they’re understandably struggling without their two leading scorers.

The Heat will be playing a back-to-back after being beaten 104-97 at home to the Thunder last night. Miami star Jimmy Butler, who was already suffering from an illness, appeared to tweak his ankle and left the game after registering just seven minutes.

The defeat was the second in a row for Miami who now find themselves just a single game above .500.