Miami Heat vs Orlando Magic Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 12/01/2024, 08:45  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 12/01/2024 at 12:00 in NBA Prediction

The Orlando Magic are on the road to face the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena in the NBA on Friday night. Both these sides are 21-16 this season, but the hosts are in seventh place in the Eastern Conference, while the visitors are eighth. 

The Orlando Magic had their two-game win streak come to an end with a blowout loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in their previous game. Moritz Wagner led the team with 21 points in the 113-92 defeat. Offensively, Orlando is ranked 20th in the NBA, scoring an average of 113.3 points per game. Their upcoming opponents, the Miami Heat, rank 11th in the league defensively, allowing 112.1 points per game. On the defensive end, the Magic have performed well, currently sitting at 10th in the league, allowing 112 points per contest. They have been effective at limiting opponents' shot attempts, ranking fifth in three-pointer attempts allowed per game and third in field goal attempts allowed per game. Notably, Joe Ingles last played on December 17, and Jonathan Isaac last played on December 31. Both players are out indefinitely.

Meanwhile,  the Miami Heat are set to host the Orlando Magic after a recent loss to the OKC Thunder on Wednesday with a final score of 120-128, marking their fourth loss in six matches. Offensively, the Heat are positioned at the 23rd spot in the NBA's scoring charts, averaging 112.9 points per game, while the Orlando Magic allow the 10th-fewest points per game in the league (112). Miami's strength lies in their defense, where they rank tenth overall in points allowed per game at 112.1. Notably, the team excels in limiting field goal attempts around the paint, as they are ranked number one in the league, allowing only 85.9 attempts per game. However, Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro are questionable with shoulder injuries.