Orlando Magic vs Miami Heat
PREVIEW: The Orlando Magic host the Miami Heat on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Kia Center , setting up a compelling Southeast Division showdown between two evenly matched squads. Miami enters at 14-8 after suffering a 118-108 road loss to the Dallas Mavericks , while Orlando sits at 13-9 following a heartbreaking 114-112 home defeat to the Spurs. These teams met back in October with Orlando claiming a 125-121 victory at home , and both franchises bring contrasting momentum into this rematch. Unfortunately, shot quality data remains unavailable for both teams in this preview, leaving scouts without that additional analytical lens, though the underlying offensive and defensive metrics tell a compelling story regardless.
Miami has emerged as one of the league's most efficient offenses, averaging 118.7 points per game while shooting 47.9 percent from the field and an impressive 37.8 percent from three-point range , yet defensively the Heat have been stout, allowing just 113.1 points per game and holding opponents to 44.2 percent shooting. Orlando has countered with a balanced attack averaging 119.5 points per game, with Franz Wagner leading the way at over 23 points nightly , though their defense has shown vulnerability, allowing 114.3 points per game and surrendering 36.7 percent from beyond the arc. Key absences loom for Miami, as Norman Powell missed Wednesday's game with an ankle injury while Tyler Herro's status remains questionable due to a toe ailment. For Orlando, Paolo Banchero is listed as questionable with a groin injury , adding another layer of intrigue to a matchup where depth and health could ultimately determine the outcome.