Heat vs Magic Betting Odds - Magic continues dominance over one-man Heat
Orlando has had the upper hand in their state rivalry with Miami, both on the online betting front as well as straight up. The two meet in Orlando on Wednesday night in an ESPN telecast, and NBS odds should favor the Magic at home, as they’re on a five-game winning streak while the Heat are struggling defensively.
| WHAT: NBA betting |
| WHEN: Wednesday, November 25, 7:30 PM ET |
| WHERE: Amway Arena, Orlando, FL |
| KEY STAT: Orlando is 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 against Miami |
| PICK: Magic |
Heat vs Magic betting odds maker breakdown: THE STORYLINE
The Magic have owned this Florida rivalry, winning nine of the last 10 meetings. Orlando is tied with Atlanta atop the Southeast, which is 2.5 games ahead of Miami, and they’re on a five-game winning streak despite a number of injuries.
Heat vs Magic betting odds maker breakdown: STARTING FIVE
The Heat are one small forward away from being a force in the East, because a combination of Quentin Richardson and James Jones won’t cut it. Richardson has a bad back and may miss this game, and Jones is the weak link of the starting five, which is still very top-heavy with Dwyane Wade leading the way.
Jason Williams, who won a title with the Heat in 2006, has stepped in nicely for the injured Jameer Nelson, and the Magic are a balanced scoring squad led by Vince Carter (when healthy) and Dwight Howard. Rashard Lewis is also getting back into shape after missing the first 10 games of the season. Mickael Pietrus is making the adjustment to being in the starting lineup.
Betting Edge: Magic
Heat vs Magic betting odds maker breakdown: BENCH
Udonis Haslem stepped back to the bench to strengthen the second unit, and we’re not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing. Haslem surely isn’t a starter, but it’s never a good thing when he is your best scoring option off the pine. Daequan Cook and Carlos Arroyo give the backcourt depth.
J.J. Redick continues to surpass the expectation of virtually all sportsbook players and play well, and the duo of Redick and Ryan Anderson is very strong off the bench. Brandon Bass and Matt Barnes provide depth for the Magic, who have 10 players averaging 21 minutes or more. A lot of that comes down to injuries, but it’s good that the Magic know they can have faith in any one of the players to jump right into the lineup.
Betting Edge: Magic
Heat vs Magic betting odds maker breakdown: OFFENSE
The Heat are 21st in the league in points scored, and the fact of the matter is, they’re just too one-dimension on offense. If the opposition can shut down Wade and make the rest of the Heat beat them, their sportsbook odds go up dramatically. Jermaine O’Neal isn’t the All-Star he once was, although still good, and Michael Beasley still hasn’t shown an ability to be Wade’s sidekick. Still, with Wade on the floor, the Heat can go off on anyone.
For the Magic, they have a couple of players that can carry the load. Carter is still one of the best pure scorers in the league, and Howard is pretty much unstoppable one-on-one in the post. The Magic are once again one of the best long-range shooting teams in the NBA at 36.7%, which spreads the floor for Howard and Carter.
Betting Edge: Magic
Heat vs Magic betting odds maker breakdown: DEFENSE
Miami is ninth in points allowed, and if O’Neal has added anything, it’s at this end of the floor. He still has excellent shot-blocking instincts and he’s a good rebounder, while Wade and Chalmers prowl the passing lanes. The Heat are third in opposition field-goal percentage, so at least they’re aware of their offensive deficiencies.
The Magic are third in points allowed and 12th in opposition field-goal percentage, and Howard is barely in the top 15 in terms of shot-blocking. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year is being accounted for by the other team, and they’re trying to stay out of his way. Williams and Carter have never been known as defensive specialists, either. The Magic are still a good defensive team, but the potential is there for more.
Betting Edge: Draw
Heat vs Magic betting odds maker breakdown: BETTING PREDICTION
The Magic should definitely be favored in this one, as they’ve won nine of their last 10 against the Heat, and six in a row in Orlando. The Magic has also covered against the Heat in five of their last six meetings at Amway Arena. The Heat’s defense has actually let them down lately, allowing 117.2 points in their last five games. The Magic are coming off tough wins in Boston and Toronto, and returning home is the best thing for them before they start a brutal stretch on the road. They’ll take advantage of Miami being a one-man show and get the win on Wednesday.
Craig Parsons gives you everything you need before you head out into the sports betting world, so check him out in the Betting Edge at BetOnline.com. For all the stats pertaining to the Heat vs Magic odds, visit our stats section.
