Orlando Magic at Miami Heat (Dec. 26, 2021): 3 Things To Watch, Odds and Prediction
The Orlando Magic return from the holiday break as they take a trip to Miami to face the Miami Heat, as health and safety protocols continue to be the story throughout the league.
Orlando Magic (7-26) at Miami Heat (20-13)
Time/TV: 3:30 p.m./Bally Sports Florida
WATCH MAGIC-HEAT ON FUBO TV
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Line via WynnBet: Heat by 9
Tickets: $15-$502 on StubHub
2022 Season Series: Heat 107, Magic 90 in Miami on Oct. 25; Heat 115, Magic 105 in Orlando on Dec. 17; Tonight in Miami; April 10 in Orlando
| Pace | Off. Rtg. | Def. Rtg. | eFG% | O.Reb.% | TO% | FTR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orlando | 98.7 | 103.0 | 112.3 | 49.2 | 27.2 | 15.3 | 21.9 |
| Miami | 96.3 | 110.8 | 107.1 | 54.0 | 28.3 | 15.3 | 23.3 |
OMD Prediction
The Christmas break was certainly badly needed for the Orlando Magic. They needed the chance to take a break and reset themselves after all the injuries and all the absences from health and safety protocols. The team needed a breath. But this is still the story.
They got Cole Anthony (still listed as QUESTIONABLE) and Wendell Carter back from injury. And R.J. Hampton will also be available as he comes off health and safety protocols. Moritz Wagner appears to be returning right behind him. But the Magic also placed Chuma Okeke and B.J. Johnson in health and safety protocols. And for the Miami Heat, Kyle Lowry is the lone player in health and safety protocols. Jimmy Butler is QUESTIONABLE with a tail bone contusion — he has missed the last eight games.
The Magic will remember how the Heat torched them from beyond the arc a few weeks ago. That still remained a fairly close game. Orlando still had its chances to win. With some players back and some generally strong play, the Magic have a chance to carry forward some momentum.
104. 38. 98. 110. Prediction
3 Keys To Watch
3-point defense
The story of the Orlando Magic’s 115-105 loss to the Miami Heat a week ago was 3-point shooting (outside all the absences the Magic were suddenly facing that day). Miami made 19 of 35 3-pointers. They did a good job beating the impatient Magic and creating open shots. Max Strus hit eight, scoring 20 in the second quarter. And Gab Vincent scored 18 in the third.
Orlando will have to do a better job defending the 3-point line, to say the least. That means keeping Vincent out of the paint, most of all, and staying disciplined when Strus gives his up-fake and resets himself from beyond the arc.
The Magic’s 3-point defense remains a concern.
Orlando gives up 36.6-percent from beyond the arc, the fourth-worst mark in the league. The Magic give up 17.4 3-point attempts per game where the closest defender is six or more feet away and 15.8 3-point attempts per game where the closest defender is 4-6 feet away.
This is still not a team the Magic want to give up open shots again.
Cole’s Return
The Orlando Magic were certainly really happy to see Cole Anthony back on the floor Thursday. He is still listed as QUESTIONABLE for Sunday’s game as of noon. But it seems like he is still on track to play. If not, he should become a regular in the lineup soon.
Beyond anything else, the Magic having Anthony in the lineup regularly will help the team significantly. He helped a ton in the Orlando Magic climbing back into the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday.
Anthony scored all eight of his fourth-quarter points in the final six minutes, adding one steal and an assist, after the Magic fell behind by nine. He will likely point to the shots he missed in the final two minutes as Orlando ran out of time. Anthony is that driven to win, even if he understands the bigger process.
Anthony scored 22 points with 11 assists. He struggled early on but found his footing as the game went on. Anthony getting restarted is a huge boost to the Magic’s offense.
Hampton’s 3-point shooting
The Orlando Magic are going to be really happy to continue getting reinforcements and players back from injury. R.J. Hampton’s return will be welcomed just to add another potential playmaker. But more than that, the team can probably use him more effectively off the ball with Hassani Gravett and Tim Frazier able to handle the point.
Hampton has had an uneven season to some extent. The young player is still figuring out his best way to attack and what skills he is best at. He still has to slow his game down.
But he has one development that is really encouraging and interesting. Hampton is now a knock-down 3-point shooter, hitting 41.7-percent from deep on 2.5 attempts per game. It does not feel like a blip at this point. Hampton is able to hit open shots.
Franz Wagner driving to improve. dark. Next
If anything else, that is a really important development for him. And a skill that will be valuable for the Magic moving forward.