Following back-to-back road losses to the Boston Celtics, the Orlando Magic are set to confront the Miami Heat.
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Following back-to-back road losses to the Boston Celtics, the Orlando Magic are set to confront another Eastern Conference foe as they host the Miami Heat on Wednesday night.
Orlando enters the matchup boasting a remarkable nine-game winning streak at home, while Miami looks to rebound from a 112-108 defeat against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday. Seeking a rebound, the Magic aim to regather themselves following a challenging 114-97 loss to Boston on Sunday, where they shot 38.2 percent from the field.
Notably, Orlando forward Paolo Banchero delivered an impressive performance with 36 points and 10 rebounds. However, Jalen Suggs was the sole Magic player to join him in double figures with 13 points, while Franz Wagner struggled, managing only eight points on 3-of-14 shooting.Despite their shooting struggles, Orlando stayed competitive throughout the game and maintained a close distance, committing just eight turnovers.
For the Magic, Carter (finger injury), Fultz (knee injury), Harris (coach’s decision), and Suggs (injury) will not be playing the game. Besides, Ingles is also questionable to appear in the game due to an ankle injury. For the Heat, Butler (calf injury), Lowry (injury), Smith (knee injury) will be sitting this one out.
In the previous ten encounters, Orlando has experienced defeat in eight against Miami, a team that welcomed back two crucial starters to the lineup on Monday.
Bam Adebayo made a return after a seven-game absence due to a left hip contusion, while Tyler Herro rejoined the team after missing 18 games with a sprained right ankle. Despite the loss to Minnesota, both players had an instant impact, with Herro leading the team in scoring with 25 points on 10-of-18 shooting in 33 minutes.
Adebayo played a pivotal part in the matchup against Minnesota, a team that extended its record to 20-5. The two-time All-Star made substantial contributions, registering 22 points, six rebounds, and six assists in a 36-minute performance.
The comeback of Adebayo and Herro added depth to Miami’s lineup, evident in five players reaching double figures against the Timberwolves. Jimmy Butler contributed 15 points, Duncan Robinson added 14, and Josh Richardson scored 13, with Kevin Love chipping in nine points and securing 10 rebounds.
However, Heat point guard Kyle Lowry was absent from Monday’s game due to soreness. The 37-year-old, who has made a team-high 25 starts this season, has averaged 10.1 points and 3.7 assists over his last seven games.
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