A couple of banged-up teams meet this evening when the Orlando Magic play host to the Miami Heat.
Orlando’s top scorers Paulo Banchero and Franz Wagner are both injured, while Jimmy Butler and Terry Rozier are question marks for Miami. With so much star power on the sideline and each team boasting strong defense, my Heat vs. Magic predictions are all in on the Under.
Find out more in my NBA picks for Thursday, December 26.
Heat vs Magic prediction
My best bet
Under 208.5 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
The Orlando Magic have been without Paolo Banchero (oblique) since late October, but things got even worse earlier this month as Franz Wagner (oblique) will be out until at least January.
Orlando is now missing both of its top two scorers, as Banchero and Wagner account for 50% of the team’s point production. That’s been apparent over this past week, as the Magic are averaging just 104.8 points per game through their last four contests.
The injury woes aren’t nearly as bad for the Miami Heat, but the club could be without Jimmy Butler (conditioning/personal) and Terry Rozier (knee) tonight, who represent two of the team’s top-four scorers.
Not only are both teams likely missing some elite talent, but the Magic and Heat also own two of the NBA’s top defenses. Orlando is giving up a stingy 103.9 points per game, while Miami is surrendering just 109.4 per game.
Both teams also rank in the Top 10 in defensive rating, with Orlando sitting third (106.2) and Miami in 10th (110.9). The Magic have cashed the Under in three of their last four games, and the Under is also 3-2 in the Heat’s last five.
Heat vs Magic same-game parlay
Under 210.5
Tyler Herro Over 23.5 points
Jalen Suggs 15+ points
Tyler Herro is averaging a team-high 23.9 ppg this season, and the star guard has even seen a slight bump in December (24.5 ppg). The Heat point guard has reached 23+ points in eight of his last 12 contests and should have free rein with the ball if Butler is out.
Meanwhile, Suggs has taken over as Orlando’s top scorer with Banchero and Wagner sidelined, averaging 17.4 ppg in December while seeing his field goal attempts jump from about 12.0 to 16.0 per contest. Suggs boasts 16+ points in five of his last seven outings.
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Heat vs Magic odds
Heat vs Magic live odds
Heat vs Magic opening odds
- Spread: Miami +1.5 | Orlando -1.5
- Moneyline: Miami -105 | Orlando -115
- Over/Under: Over 208.5 | Under 208.5
Odds courtesy of bet365
Heat vs Magic spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Magic opened as the 1.5-point favorite at home, having gone 4-1-1 ATS in their last six games. The Heat are just 1-5 ATS over their last six outings.
- Orlando is 11-1 ATS in its last 12 games at Kia Center, while Miami has gone 0-6 ATS over its past six road contests.
- Tonight’s total opened at 208.5, with the Under having cashed in eight of Orlando’s last 12 home games.
Heat vs Magic trend
Orlando has hit the moneyline in 33 of its last 43 home games (+25.00 Units / 20% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Heat vs. Magic.
How to watch Heat vs Magic
| Location: | Kia Center, Orlando, FL |
| Date: | Thursday, 12-26-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | FDSN Florida, FDSN Sun |
Heat vs Magic latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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