The two Florida teams make their season debut against one another in what could be a defensive slugfest.

Catch the game tomorrow at 7:30 AM, Manila time.

AWAY: Orlando Magic (0-0, 0-0 AWAY)

Projected starting five:

  • Jalen Suggs
  • Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
  • Franz Wagner
  • Paolo Banchero
  • Wendell Carter Jr.

These young Magic had an encouraging 2023-24 campaign as they made the playoffs and was one win away from advancing into the second round. They also finished the season fourth in points allowed and the second in defensive rating.

All-Star Paolo Banchero, All-Defensive team member Jalen Suggs, and other standout forward Franz Wagner will continue powering Orlando. 

Wendell Carter Jr. missed 27 games last season and is now hopeful to get back on track. Cole Anthony, meanwhile, figures to remain as a contributor from the second unit.

There are interesting pieces beyond those key guys, from mainstays Jonathan Isaac, Mo Wagner, and Gary Harris, to youngsters Anthony Black and Jett Howard, who are both eager to make a name for themselves.

Orlando was 1-3 vs. Miami last season and averaged 100.5 points per game.

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HOME: Miami Heat (0-0, 0-0 HOME)

Projected starting five:

  • Terry Rozier
  • Tyler Herro
  • Jimmy Butler
  • Nikola Jovic
  • Bam Adebayo

The Heat made a quick exit in the 2024 playoffs as they ran into the high-powered, well-oiled Boston Celtics, who went on to the championship. Even worse, All-Star Jimmy Butler and starting guard Terry Rozier, among others, were sidelined with injuries.

It’s in the past but best believe the group will use that as fuel to be better this season. The All-Star tandem of Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler, plus the backcourt of Rozier and Tyler Herro are the main points of Miami moving forward. Adebayo and Butler remain as two-way studs, which is always good to have, while the guards are offensively capable guards who can shoot and score the lights out when called upon.

The team is putting its trust in 2022 first-round pick Nikola Jovic as he’ll begin 2024-25 in the starting lineup. He has shown flashes so we’ll see how much he has improved. This year’s first-round selection, meanwhile, big man Kel’el Ware, could be in the main rotation as well as he flaunted his skill set nicely during Summer League and preseason. He’s the center they’ve coveted to help ease up Adebayo’s duties.

Miami won three of its four meetings with Orlando last season, averaging 105.5 PPG.

PICKS:

Spread: Heat (-2)

Over/Under: Over (208)

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