The Orlando Magic (11-23), who are currently on an eight-game losing streak, will try to get back in the win column when they travel to AmericanAirlines Arena to take on the Miami Heat (17-16). Action begins at 7:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 26, 2017, and it can be seen on Fox SportsNet Florida.
Orlando Magic vs. Miami Heat Betting Preview
In the Magic’s last matchup, they got blown out by the Washington Wizards, 130-103. With 30 points on 11-for-16 shooting, Elfrid Payton was the games high scorer. Washington had an offensive rebounding percentage of 33.3 (above their season average of 22.1). Orlando, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (11.3 vs. 14.3).
The Heat are hoping for a better outcome after their 109-94 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans in their last matchup. Tyler Johnson was the top scorer from either team with 20 points on 9-for-17 shooting. New Orleans did an excellent job of converting from the free throw line (16-19; 84.2 percent). Miami, meanwhile, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 29.5 (above their season average of 18.4).
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Miami should have a substantial edge. The upper-echelon Heat offense ranks eighth in the league in that metric at 0.529, while the Orlando defense is ranked 19th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.527). It will also be a tale of two tempos as the fast-paced Magic rank fifth in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented Heat rank 28th.
Of Orlando’s 34 games, 17 have finished over the O/U total, while 20 of Miami’s 33 games have finished under the projected point total. Looking at straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records, the Heat have a significant advantage. They are 17-16 SU and 13-18-2 ATS, while the Magic are 11-23 SU and 12-21-1 ATS.
Josh Richardson has taken his game to another level over the last five games for Miami, averaging 21.6 points, 3.8 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.6 blocks per game.
These teams have already met once this season. The two teams combined to score 225 points in that game, which was well over the projected point total of 205.5. The Magic won 116-109, covering as 3.5-point underdogs. The Magic dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.244 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 25.0. The Heat were 0.127 and 21.6, respectively, for those same stats. Hassan Whiteside recorded a double-double in the loss, with 26 points and 22 rebounds.
Orlando Magic at Miami Heat Free Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Heat, ATS Winner – Heat, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Magic rank 12th in points in the paint per game (45.1) while the Heat rank 27th (39.8).
- Miami ranks 18th in second chance points allowed per game (12.4) while Orlando ranks 26th (13.6).
- Miami averages 5.0 blocks per game, which ranks 10th in the league. Orlando ranks 19th in blocks allowed per game (4.9).
- On the road, Orlando is 8-10-1 ATS with 11 overs and 8 unders.
- At home, Miami is 3-10-2 ATS with 8 unders, 6 overs and 1 push.
- In games where they hold opponents under 100 points, Miami is 12-3 and Orlando is 5-2.
- When scoring above 100 points, the Magic are 11-12 and the Heat are 12-6.
- The Heat rank fifth in three pointers attempted per game (31.6) while the Magic rank 14th (29.6).
- Miami ranks fourth in assists allowed per game (20.5) while Orlando ranks 27th (25.1).
- The Heat rank eighth in rebounds allowed per game (42.2) while the Magic rank last (46.5).
- Miami ranks fourth in fast break points allowed per game (8.7) while Orlando ranks 23rd (12.4).
Bettings Trends:
- Miami is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs in their last five games.
- Over their last five games, Orlando is 1-4 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
- The Heat’s average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 0.6, down from 1.9 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Magic have scored an average of 98.4 points per game (7.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 112.4 points per game (1.5 above their season average).
