After coughing up a 25-point lead to the Orlando Magic on Saturday, the Miami Heat get a shot at redemption when they hit the road for a rematch on Thursday.
Saturday’s matchup saw Orlando lose another key player when Mo Wagner suffered a torn ACL while driving to the basket in the first quarter. The Magic are already without superstar Paolo Banchero and Mo’s brother Franz, who are both dealing with oblique injuries. While there was some good news for Orlando last week as Banchero began light conditioning work, there remains no timetable for his return.
Despite missing key players who combine for more than 66 points per game this season, the Magic have managed to win their last two games and currently stand fourth in the Eastern Conference. In one of the wildest NBA games of the season, Orlando tied a franchise record for largest comeback and outscored the Heat 37-8 in the fourth quarter to record a 121-114 win. The Magic followed up with a 108-104 home win over the Boston Celtics after trailing by 15 at halftime.
Orlando’s secret weapon has been their defense, which allows the second-fewest points in the NBA at 103.9 per game and is tied for the NBA lead in blocked shots with the San Antonio Spurs at 7 per game. Coach Jamahl Mosley has found success by digging deep into the bench, with first-round pick Tristan Da Silva scoring 18 points and hitting a key late 3-pointer against Boston, and Trevelin Queen tying a career high with 17 points after being called up from the G-League.
The Heat have hovered around .500 this season. Star guard Jimmy Butler, who is averaging 18.5 points per game, has been out with an illness and missed the past two games. On Wednesday, ESPN reported that Butler would prefer to be moved before the Feb. 6 trade deadline. Terry Rozier also missed the Heat’s win over the Nets with a knee injury.
Miami also excels defensively, allowing 109.4 points per game, which is sixth best in the NBA. Tyler Herro has been the team’s No. 1 option on offense, averaging a career-high 23.9 points per game.
Orlando has won both meetings with the Heat this season. This game marks the fifth of a seven-game homestand for Orlando. The Heat will be looking to avenge their earlier losses and secure a much-needed win on the road. Will Miami manage to turn things around, or will Orlando continue their winning streak? Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting matchup.
