Orlando Magic (19-12) vs Miami Heat (14-13)
December 26, 2024 at 07:00 PM EST
The Line: Betting Odds: Orlando Magic -2.5 / Miami Heat -105 — Over/Under: 210.5
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat have been in fine form as they’ve won five of their last eight games overall and they will be looking to build some momentum after snapping a three-game skid with a 110-95 win over the Nets on Monday. Bam Adebayo led the team with 23 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, Nikola Jovic provided the spark off the bench with 18 points while Tyler Herro chipped in with 17 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists. As a team, the Heat shot 49 percent from the field and 17 of 41 from the 3-point line as they looked to be in a bit of trouble when they squandered an early 14-point lead, but they played excellent defense to limit the Nets to just 38 points in the second half and win with ease in front of their home fans.
Orlando Magic
Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic look to have moved on from their rough stretch as they are now gunning for a third straight victory after sneaking past the Celtics in a 108-104 win on Monday. Tristan da Silva led the team in scoring with 18 points, Trevelin Queen added 17 points, while Jalen Suggs chipped in with 16 points, six rebounds, and five assists. As a team, the Magic shot 44 percent from the field and 13 of 33 from the 3-point line as they got off to a slow start and fell into an early 15-point deficit before they went on a 39-15 run in the second half to shock the Celtics and come away with arguably their best win of the season. The Magic will face the Knicks, Nets, and Pistons following this one.
Why the Miami Heat will win
- The Magic have lost 22 of their last 27 games against Southeast Division opponents that held a winning record.
- The Heat have won each of their last four road games against Southeast Division opponents following a win.
- The Heat have covered the spread in six of their last seven games against Southeast Division opponents following a win.
- The Magic have failed to cover the spread in three of their last four games on the first leg of a back-to-back.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Magic’s last eight games at Kia Center following a home win has gone UNDER the total points line.
- Six of the Heat’s last seven games against opponents who are on the first leg of a back-to-back have gone OVER the total points line.
Miami Heat vs Orlando Magic Prediction
The Heat are still shorthanded with Jimmy Butler listed as doubtful and Terry Rozier listed as questionable, while the Magic are still missing Paolo Banchero, Moritz Wagner, and Franz Wagner. Both teams are coming into this meeting with some players missing, but it’s the Heat who have the edge in depth as they’re used to playing shorthanded. The Magic have impressed me in their last two wins, especially their win over the Celtics on Monday, but I feel the line should be more of a pick ’em for this matchup given that the Magic are missing their top three scorers. With that being said, I am leaning towards the Heat and the points in what should be a close contest.