Orlando Magic vs Miami Heat Prediction NBA Picks 10/23/24

The Miami Heat kick off their season against the Orlando Magic at the Kaseya Center on Wednesday night. Here’s an Orlando Magic vs Miami Heat Prediction. This article will include an Orlando Magic vs Miami Heat Pick.

Miami Heat 

The Miami Heat will be eager to atone for their embarrassing finish last season, getting knocked out by the Celtics in the first round despite winning 46 games in the regular season. The Heat were ranked 5th in defensive rating, but they continued to struggle on offense in what was another injury-riddled season. The Heat traded away Patty Mills, Caleb Martin, and Delon Wright while adding Alec Burks, Nassir Little, and Kel’el Ware. However, the fortunes of the Heat rely heavily on their ability to just stay healthy after Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Tyler Herro all suffered injuries throughout the season. The Heat will meet the Hornets after this game.

Orlando Magic 

Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic will be looking to continue their steady climb into relevancy after collecting 47 wins last season to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2020. Sure, the Magic lost in the first round of the playoffs, but they pushed the Cavaliers to seven games and there is plenty of optimism that Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner can continue to improve. In terms of roster moves, the Magic got rid of Joe Ingles, but they added solid role players in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cory Joseph. The Magic are a young squad who are still a long way from becoming true contenders, but given what we saw last season, it wouldn’t be surprising if they eclipsed the 50-win mark this time round. 

Why the Miami Heat will win

• The Heat have won each of their last nine home games against the Magic.
• The Magic have lost each of their last eight road games.
• The favorites have covered the spread in eight of the Magic’s last nine games.
• The Magic have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight games as underdogs against Eastern Conference opponents.

Orlando Magic vs Miami Heat Prediction

The Magic were the surprise team of the league last season and I expect them to get this season off to another flyer, but the Heat are finally healthy again, so I’m surprised that they are not favored by more, especially at home. The young Magic are certainly capable of pulling off the minor upset on the road, but I think the Heat represent great value at home with the short line in this spot.