GAME PREVIEW: Heat open season visiting Orlando Magic

GAME STORY

The Miami Heat are going to kick off their NBA season by visiting the Orlando Magic. For the Heat, they seem to be all healthy and ready to go to begin their quest at returning to the NBA Finals. Ahead of a Christmas day matchup with the Pelicans, they first face their in-state rival.

Orlando has always given the Heat a battle, especially near the beginning of the season. Big man Nikola Vucevic will be a lot to handle for Bam Adebayo and whoever else ends up on him. But probably the biggest matchup trouble will be with Aaron Gordon who’s athleticism will be tough for the likes of Moe Harkless should he get the assignment.

Heat fans will be ready to see Jimmy Butler in action for the first time after sitting out both preseason games. Erik Spoelstra said he has a pretty good idea of what he will do rotation wise but that will remain to be seen for us. With so many options, we will be surprised to see someone not get any minutes.

Look for the Heat to be in pretty good shape. yes they had a shortened off season, but that could actually help them towards the beginning of the season.

ODDS: FiveThirtyEight gives the Heat a 51% chance to win the game.

HEAT VS MAGIC: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23 AT 7 PM.

INJURIES

MIAMI:

• Gabe Vincent, Day to Day

ORLANDO:

• Jonathan Isaac, OUT
• Al-Farouq Aminu, OUT
• Mo Bamba, Day to Day
• James Ennis, Day to Day

LINEUPS

BROADCAST INFO

TV: FOX SPORTS SUN
RADIO: The Ticket 790AM & The HEAT Radio Network (Mike Inglis, Ruth Riley Hunter)
SPANISH RADIO: WAQI 710AM & The HEAT Spanish Radio Network (José Pañeda, Joe Pujala)

Come back to Hot Hot Hoops at game time to join our GameThread and chat about the game live with other Heat fans!