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NBA Betting Picks: Miami Heat vs Orlando Magic preview, picks and prediction

James Foglio Sports Editor

Updated14 hours ago on April 24, 2024

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In Friday night’s Eastern Conference mismatch, the Miami Heat (17-12) are playing the Orlando Magic (5-24) at Amway Center. Will Cole Anthony and the Magic put an end to their six-game losing streak?

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Miami Heat vs. Orlando Magic news

Comparing these teams’ betting statistics, the Heat are 17-12 against the spread in the 2021-22 NBA season, whereas the Magic are 12-17 against the spread. This contest will start at 7 p.m. ET, and the game will air live through Bally Sports Florida, Bally Sports Sun and NBA League Pass. Per Land of Basketball’s database, these two intraconference teams have played one another 127 times head-to-head in the regular season all-time. Miami is 71-56 versus Orlando. In the previous three meetings, the Heat became a perfect 3-0 against them. Plus, the Heat won 107-90 versus the Magic on Oct. 25.

On another topic, the Heat have certainly lost their groove these last few weeks — whether it’s because of injuries, falling into a slump or they’re just not mentally prepared to play. But, all is not lost; the team is still five games above .500. They have attempted at least 40 three-pointers in four consecutive games for the first time in franchise history. As mentioned below, this is largely in part due to the absences of Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler. The Heat rank eighth in the league in three-point percentage, shooting an average of 36.2% from behind the arc. If the method is not broken, it should not be fixed.

The Heat has taken 40 or more threes in four straight games for the first time in franchise history. It’s a big part of the formula with Adebayo and Butler out https://t.co/WdQW2lzgBL

— Anthony Chiang (@Anthony_Chiang) December 17, 2021

Miami Heat vs. Orlando Magic betting lines and odds

Sportsbook: BetUS

Over/Under: 208.5

Point spread: Heat -6 (-110)

Best moneyline: Heat -240, Magic +200

Check out the guide on the top Florida sports betting sites.

Miami Heat vs. Orlando Magic injury report

We'll let an old friend fill you in on the Magic injury report for Friday night against the visiting Heat: https://t.co/mM639C1l4x

— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) December 16, 2021

Miami Heat vs. Orlando Magic preview

Moreover, on Wednesday, in the Heat’s 101-96 road win over the 76ers, guard Gabe Vincent scored a team-high 26 points in 35 minutes of action. Forward Duncan Robinson also ended his performance with 21 points, 8.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 39 minutes played. On top of Miami out-rebounding Philadelphia 44 to 35, the team still won with 16 turnovers. In the first quarter, the Heat outscored the Sixers 29 to 18.

Long-range shooting was their notable strength against the Sixers. They shot 35-for-78 (44.9%) from the field and 18-for-44 (40.9%) from three-point range. Plenty of bettors were expecting the total to go over 200 in this Heat-76ers game. Anyways, after this victory on the road, Miami is now 9-8 away, 8-4 at home and 9-8 ATS on the road this season. Miami ranks fifth in the conference, trailing the first-seeded Nets by 3.5 games.

Referencing ESPN’s Basketball Power Index, the Heat have a 69% probability of winning.

Meanwhile, in the Magic’s 111-99 home loss versus the Hawks, Moritz Wagner led his team in scoring, accumulating 19 points in 18 minutes played. Terrence Ross closed out his night with 18 points, 7.0 rebounds and 8 assists in 32 minutes on the court. Although the Magic scored 26 points in the fourth quarter, the Hawks outscored them 37 to 25 before halftime.

Not much can be said about Orlando’s struggles. They need more talent and better coaching. The team shot 35-for-90 (38.9%) from the field and 10-for-35 (28.6%) from behind the arc. Now, Orlando is 2-9 at home, 3-15 away and 9-9 ATS on the road this season. With only five wins, the Magic rank 14th overall in the Eastern Conference.

Projected starting lineup

Heat: PG Kyle Lowry | SG Gabe Vincent | SF Duncan Robinson| PF PJ Tucker | C Andre Drummond

Magic: PG Cole Anthony | SG Gary Harris | SF Franz Wagner | PF Wendell Carter Jr. | C Mo Bamba

Miami Heat vs. Orlando Magic prediction

Furthermore, the total for tonight’s intraconference matchup is set at 208.5. According to the spread consensus, 73% of bettors are projecting the Heat to cover the spread at Amway Center. Regarding the point total consensus, 71% of gamblers are convinced the total will go over 208.5. Thus far, Philadelphia is 9-9 as a favorite, 8-3 as an underdog and 9-8 ATS away, while Orlando is 0-0 as a favorite, 5-24 as an underdog and 3-8 ATS at home.

For noteworthy betting trends, the Heat are 1-4 ATS in their past five performances this season. The total has gone under in four of their previous five games. Next, Miami is 6-1 straight up in the team’s last seven matches versus Orlando, and the Heat are 3-6 ATS in their past nine road contests against the Magic. Finally, the team is 10-5 SU in their previous 15 matches against Eastern Conference opponents.

As for the Magic, they are 1-4 ATS in their last five performances. Also, the total has gone under in eight of the team’s past 12 games played. And, Orlando is 3-17 SU in their previous 20 contests played at home. Next, the total has gone under in the Magic’s last five games versus Eastern Conference opponents. Taking under consideration all of these betting statistics, the Heat will likely win and cover the spread. If interested, read our handicap betting guide.