The Orlando Magic, finally back to full strength with their preferred starting lineup, are set to visit the Miami Heat on Monday night. The Magic recently ended a five-game losing streak with a 121-113 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night, thanks to their starting unit of Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, Wendell Carter Jr., and Kentavius Caldwell-Pope. This was the first time since October that the Magic were able to field this lineup.
Jalen Suggs returned to action after missing 10 games due to a back injury, scoring eight points in 16 minutes. Suggs is a key component of Orlando’s defense, and the team struggled during his absence, going 2-8 without him.
The Magic have faced numerous injuries this season. Banchero, who co-leads Orlando in scoring with an average of 24.5 points per game, has played in just 13 of the team’s 47 games. Wagner, also averaging 24.5 points, has been limited to 27 games. Wagner leads the team in assists (5.5) and steals (1.6). Carter has played in 34 games, averaging 8.5 points and 7.3 rebounds, while Caldwell-Pope has been the healthiest, playing in 45 games and averaging 9.2 points.
On the other hand, the Miami Heat appear to be in a state of transition. Since moving rookie 7-footer Kel’el Ware into the starting lineup, the Heat are 1-2 in their last three games. Ware has averaged 16.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks in those games, shooting 55.1 percent from the floor, 38.0 percent on 3-pointers, and 74.2 percent on free throws.
Heat star Jimmy Butler, who has asked to be traded, has been suspended twice this season for conduct detrimental to the team, including missing a flight prior to the Heat’s game in Milwaukee. Butler’s second suspension expired after Miami’s win over the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday, making him available to play on Monday. However, there are still uncertainties regarding his future with the team.
Tyler Herro leads Miami in scoring with 24.0 points per game and assists with 5.2 per game. Bam Adebayo leads the team in rebounds with 10.0 per game and ranks third in scoring with 15.6 points per game. Butler’s 17.0 average ranks second.
Terry Rozier, who has started 379 NBA games and played in 641, has had a down season, averaging just 11.9 points compared to his career average of 14.1 points.
The Magic hope to build on their recent success and continue their strong play on the road, while the Heat aim to bounce back from their recent struggles.
