The Orlando Magic (19-29) battle the Miami Heat (27-22) Friday. Tip from Miami-Dade Arena is set for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Magic vs. Heat odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
This will be the first of 4 meetings between these teams this year.
The Heat beat the Boston Celtics 98-95 Tuesday, covering as 2.5-point favorites and holding Boston to just 37 second-half points. Miami is 6-4 against the spread (ATS) over its last 10 but is just 20-27-2 ATS on the season. The Heat rank 2nd in the NBA in opponents’ points per game (108.2).
The Magic have been red-hot against the number, covering 6 of their last 7 games. They are coming off a 126-120 home win over the Indiana Pacers, covering as 5-point favorites. Orlando has scored at least 110 points in 5 straight games and it ranks 14th in the league in field goal percentage (47.3%).
Can you survive? New pro and college basketball survivor pools are here at USA TODAY Sports! Free to play; terms and conditions apply. Join now!
Magic at Heat odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:46 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Magic +260 (bet $100 to win $260) | Heat -320 (bet $320 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Magic +8.5 (-120) | Heat -8.5 (+100)
- Over/Under (O/U): 219.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Catch the excitement and bet with Tipico
Double Down, Ohio! Deposit $200, Get $250. Bet now!
In Colorado and New Jersey, claim your 100% Deposit Match up to $250 now. Bet now! 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions.
Magic at Heat key injuries
Magic
- None
Heat
- G Caleb Martin (quadriceps) probable
- G Max Strus (shoulder) probable
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Magic at Heat picks and predictions
Prediction
Heat 114, Magic 109
Moneyline
PASS.
The Heat are the better team here and are 16-9 straight up at home while Orlando is 6-17 on the road. Ultimately, neither value is worth the risk.
Against the spread
BET MAGIC +8.5 (-120).
Orlando is hot and Miami hasn’t been playing like it is 8.5 points better than any other team in the NBA. The Magic are 6-1 ATS over their last 7 games. Orlando is also a league-best 12-5-1 ATS following an ATS win.
Miami is the 2nd-worst team at home ATS this season at 8-15-2 ATS. Its highly-touted scoring defense is also inflated as it ranks 19th in opponents’ field goal percentage (47.4%). The Heat have scored 100 or fewer points in 3 straight games and are 2-3 ATS over their last 5 outings.
Considering the Heat’s recent struggles and issues at home, back the MAGIC +8.5 (-120).
Over/Under
LEAN OVER 219.5 (-110).
Orlando has gone Over in 4 of its last 5 games and is 26-22 O/U this season. It has an efficient offense that should force Miami to pick up its slow-tempo pace. The Magic are also 11-6-1 O/U following a win.
The Heat have gone Under in 3 straight games but are 2-3 O/U in their last 5. It should get back leading-scorer F Jimmy Butler in this game as well as he’s not on the injury report after he missed their most recent match with Boston.
Back the OVER 219.5 (-110).
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Want action on this NBA game or any other matchups? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in OH, CO and NJ. Bet now!
If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Access more NBA coverage:
HoopsHype | Bulls Wire | Celtics Wire | Nets Wire | Rockets Wire | Sixers Wire | Thunder Wire | Warriors Wire | LeBron Wire | Rookie Wire | List Wire
