Magic vs. Heat Picks and Predictions for the NBA Game on December 21st, 2024

Arena and City where Magic vs. Heat will be playing

It's an NBA showdown like no other – the Magic will take on the Heat on December 21st, 2024, in Orlando, FL at Kia Center. Discover our expert picks and predictions to increase your odds of winning with your bets.

Introduction to the Magic vs. Heat betting tip and prediction

Don't miss the Eastern Conference clash taking place on December 21st, 2024, starting at 18:00. The Magic enters as -3 point favorites in the contest. The previous game between these two teams was a pick’em and the Magic won, 121-95. The over/under for the upcoming game is 209 points.

In the 2024-2025 basketball season, the importance of the 3-point shot to the game is widely recognized. Let's take a closer look at how teams are faring from long distance. The Magic is currently shooting 30.9% from beyond the arc, showcasing their accuracy in 3-point shooting. Conversely, the Heat is converting 37.6% of their shots from long range, underscoring their proficiency in this aspect. The Magic is attempting 44% of their shots from behind the 3-point line, while the Heat is choosing to take 44% of their field goal attempts from 3-point range.

Orlando Magic

How is the Magic playing this season?

The Magic comes into this game with a 17-12 record, and they are currently 4th in the Eastern Conference standings. The Magic is 5-5 in their last 10 games.

Did the Magic win their most recent game?

No, Magic fell to the Thunder, 105-99. Paolo Banchero scored 23 points in the loss.

Best scorer for the Magic

The leading scorer for the Magic this season is Paolo Banchero, who is averaging 29 points per game.

Other Team Leaders for the Magic

Coming into the December 21st, 2024 contest, Paolo Banchero leads the Magic with 8.8 rebounds per game Franz Wagner has a team-high 5.7 assists per game The steals leader for the Magic is Franz Wagner (1.7 steals per game) In terms of swatting shots, Goga Bitadze is leading the way for the Magic with 1.6 blocks per game. His DFS production in the last game is as follows: 34.5 DraftKings fantasy points and 32.5 FanDuel fantasy points per game.

Magic Team Analysis

The Magic's point differential this season is 3.2 points per game, which ranks 8th in the NBA. They are averaging 106.8 points per game while allowing 103.6 points per game. In terms of 3-pointers, the Magic is making 11.5 shots per game, which ranks 28th in the NBA. From the free-throw line, the Magic is making 18.6 per game, which ranks 6th in the NBA.

Projected Magic Starting Lineup and Injuries

In their last meeting against the Heat, the Magic's starting lineup consisted of Wendell Carter Jr., Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs and Markelle Fultz. For the upcoming matchup, the Magic has the following injuries: Paolo Banchero is out (oblique), Gary Harris is out (hamstring) Jalen Suggs is questionable (ankle) and Franz Wagner is out (oblique).

Miami Heat

How is the Heat playing this season?

The Heat head this game with a 13-12 record, and they are currently 6th in the Eastern Conference standings. The Heat is 6-4 in their last 10 games.

Did the Heat win their most recent game?

No, Heat came up short against the Thunder, 104-97. Jimmy Butler scored 23 points in the loss.

Best scorer for the Heat

The leading scorer for the Heat this season is Tyler Herro, who is averaging 24.3 points per game. Tyler Herro also leads the team in minutes played per game with 35.04.

Other Team Leaders for the Heat

Bam Adebayo is leading the way with 10.2 rebounds per game. Bam Adebayo is dishing out a team-high 4.9 assists per game. In terms of steals, the Heat's leader is Dru Smith with 1.4 steals per game. The blocks' leader for the Heat is Thomas Bryant, who is sending back 0.9 shots per game.

Heat Team Analysis

The Heat's point differential this season is 2.7 points per game, which ranks 10th in the NBA. They are averaging 112.2 points per game while allowing 109.5 points per game. In terms of 3-pointers, the Heat is making 14.7 shots per game, which ranks 9th in the NBA. From the free-throw line, the Heat is making 17.7 per game, which ranks 12th in the NBA.

Projected Heat's Starting Lineup and Injuries

In their last meeting against the Magic, the Heat's starting five were Bam Adebayo, Haywood Highsmith, Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier. For the upcoming matchup, Heat has the following injuries: Nikola Jović is questionable (ankle), Pelle Larsson is questionable (ankle), Josh Richardson is out (heel) and Kel'el Ware is questionable (foot).

Bet suggestions for this game

Spread betting suggestion

According to Vegas, it is a toss-up for the Magic and Heat game. Although it is a pick’em, the suggestion is to bet at the Magic.

Money Line betting suggestion

Magic is a -3 money line favorite for the game against the Heat, and the suggestion is to pick the Magic.

Over/Under betting suggestion

The over/under for the Magic and Heat is 209 points, so the suggestion is to take the over.

Will there be Overtime?

Since the Magic and Heat have combined for just 3 overtime games this season, overtime is not likely for the upcoming contest.