Heat Preview
Southeast Division rivals will clash to start the season, when the Miami Heat invade the Kia Center to take on the Orlando Magic. For other NBA action see our NBA Predictions. The Heat (37-45) dealt Jimmy Butler to Golden State at last year’s trade deadline and must improve an offense that ranked 21st in efficiency. Miami no longer has the talent to compete for an NBA championship and has been in the Play-In Tournament in three straight seasons.
Three-time All-Star Bam Adebayo is a consistent 18-20 point scorer and is trying to expand his game to the three-point line. Veteran wing Norman Powell (21.8 ppg) was acquired in a three-team deal in the offseason and will provide much needed scoring punch for the Heat.
Magic Preview
In a wide open Eastern Conference, the Orlando Magic are an intriguing squad to win their first playoff series since 2010. The Magic (41-41) have built a strong defensive foundation for head coach Jamahl Mosley and allowed a league best 105.5 points per game. Orlando should be much improved on offense after trading four first round draft picks to acquire sharp shooting G Desmond Bane from Memphis.
Former number one overall draft pick Paolo Banchero played in just 46 games and averaged a career best 25.9 ppg. Orlando F Franz Wagner is a proven scorer (24.2 pgg), but has shot less than 30 percent from the three-point line the last two seasons.
Heat vs Magic Pick
Miami G Tyler Herro is recovering from offseason ankle surgery and is expected to make his debut next month. These two teams should be improved on offense, so the over is worth a look. The Heat have Andrew Wiggins and Bam Adebayo to match up with the Magic frontcourt duo. Take the points. Final Score Prediction, Orlando Magic win 111-107.
Promotions on BetMGM!
Show Bonus Code
Claim Bonus 
Bet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins!
Show Bonus Code
Claim Bonus 
New Customers: Bet $5+ Get $300 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins + 3 Months of League Pass On Us!
Show Bonus Code
Claim Bonus