State rivals Orlando Magic and Miami Heat meet for the third time this season, with the former winning the two previous meetings.

Catch the game tomorrow, December 10th, at 7:00 AM, Manila time.

AWAY: Miami Heat (14-10, 4-7 ROAD)

Projected starting five:

  • Davion Mitchell
  • Tyler Herro
  • Andrew Wiggins
  • Bam Adebayo
  • Kel’el Ware

The Heat enter this matchup carrying the weight of a three-game losing streak, including a painful 106-105 loss to this same Magic squad just days ago. That defeat was particularly frustrating, capped by a broken final possession that left Bam Adebayo hoisting a forced, low-percentage three instead of the designed play materializing. It was their second loss to Orlando this season, adding a bit more urgency as they try to avoid an 0–3 hole in the season series.

Complicating matters further is the uncertainty surrounding Tyler Herro. Miami’s top scoring option remains questionable with a lingering toe injury, and the Heat know all too well how disruptive his absences can be after he missed the first 18 games of the season. If he sits, the responsibility shifts once again to Norman Powell, who has been phenomenal with 24.8 PPG on the year and has stepped into the lead-scorer role without fear.

Still, Miami has no shortage of capable contributors. Adebayo, Andrew Wiggins, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and second-year big Kel’el Ware all have pathways to a strong offensive outing, especially given the Heat’s identity this season. They remain the fastest team in the league in pace and rank third in points, and even in losses, that free-for-all motion offense is a wildcard, mostly in a good, fun way.

HOME: Orlando Magic (14-10, 9-4 HOME)

Projected starting five:

  • Jalen Suggs
  • Desmond Bane
  • Tristan Da Silva
  • Paolo Banchero
  • Wendell Carter Jr.

The Magic have alternated wins and losses over their last four outings, but they hold one clear advantage entering this game: confidence. They are, as mentioned, already 2–0 against Miami this season. That familiarity and success gives a certain mental edge, but this matchup presents a new challenge due to the absence of Franz Wagner. The versatile forward suffered a high ankle sprain and will be sidelined 2-4 weeks, interrupting his strong start and thinning Orlando’s offensive depth.

In Wagner’s absence, the workload naturally shifts toward Paolo Banchero. The All-Star is still easing back into rhythm after his own three-week absence, logging just 20 and 24 minutes in his first two games back. But as his conditioning builds, he’ll inevitably become the focal point of the attack. Desmond Bane should also see an expanded role; earlier this season, when Banchero was out, he delivered an impressive 11-game stretch averaging 23.7 PPG.

Beyond the headliners, Orlando has several players capable of capitalizing on increased opportunity. Wendell Carter Jr. provides interior scoring and rebounding, Jalen Suggs continues to rise as an elite perimeter defender with improving offense, and youngsters Anthony Black and Tristan Da Silva add energy and versatility. Suggs, in particular, showed his expanded offensive confidence with 22 points and five assists in Friday’s win over Miami. Orlando’s depth will again be tested, but also showcased.

PICKS

Spread: Heat (-1.5)
Over/Under: Over (234)