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Heat vs Magic Prediction, Picks, and Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game


A Boxing Day matchup features two Eastern Conference contenders going head-to-head, but a slew of injuries is likely to result in a low-scoring affair at the Kia Center.

Chris Faria - Betting Analyst at Covers.com

Dec 26, 2024 • 13:15 ET

• 4 min read

Photo By – Imagn Images.

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.

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

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Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!

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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

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The Miami Heat will take on the Orlando Magic in tonight’s NBA game, and fans are eager to see which team will come out on top. Both teams have had their ups and downs this season, but tonight’s matchup is sure to be an exciting one.

The Heat currently sit at 17-16 and are coming off a tough loss to the Phoenix Suns. Meanwhile, the Magic are 10-22 and have struggled to find consistency throughout the season. Despite their record, the Magic have shown flashes of potential and have the ability to surprise any team on any given night.

In terms of predictions, the Heat are favored to win this game. They have a stronger record and a more talented roster, led by stars like Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. However, the Magic have shown that they can compete with top teams in the league, so this game could go either way.

As for picks, the Heat are a safe bet to come out on top in this matchup. They have the experience and talent to outmatch the Magic, especially if they can establish their defensive presence early on. Look for Butler and Adebayo to have big games and lead the Heat to a victory.

In terms of odds, the Heat are currently listed as -200 favorites, while the Magic are sitting at +175 underdogs. This means that the Heat are expected to win this game, but the Magic could pull off an upset if they play to their full potential.

Overall, tonight’s game between the Heat and Magic is sure to be an exciting one. Both teams have something to prove, and fans can expect a competitive matchup. Tune in to see who comes out on top in this Eastern Conference showdown.

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