NBA Basketball
2025-12-09 - Miami Heat at Orlando Magic
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States : NBA Basketball
Tuesday 9th December 2025 - Scheduled 6pm
11pm (British Time)
Preview
The Orlando Magic (14-10) and Miami Heat (14-10) enter this NBA Cup Quarter Final with the same record, but the Magic will be hosting this in-State battle after winning the Group. The Heat progressed with a 3-1 record to finish behind the New York Knicks and enter the Quarter Final as the Wild Card in the Eastern Conference, but the recent edge may have moved in favour of the road team.
When the opening of this line was set to be released, the Orlando Magic looked to be going into the game as a narrow favourite.
However, the injury picked up by Frank Wagner has just given the home team a few issues and especially as Paolo Banchero has only recently returned from an injury of his own. His minutes are being restricted and that leaves Orlando vulnerable, and they have dropped two of the last three games.
Frank Wagner is the leading scorer for Orlando so replacing his production is the challenge against a strong Miami Defensive unit. Despite shipping away the top name on the roster, the Heat are continuing to prove they can be a threat in the Eastern Conference in April next year and they are one of the better coached teams in the NBA.
The Heat have lost four of the last five games, including three in a row, but they are hoping to be bolstered by a returning Tyler Herro for this game.
It will give Miami a bit of depth to take on an Orlando team that may be wondering about the game plan.
This is the third meeting of the season between these teams and it is the Orlando Magic who have won both of the previous two- those have been won by a combined five points and losing Wagner for this contest may be all it needs to swing things back around to Miami.
Prediction
Back the road favourite to find the big plays in the Fourth Quarter to book a spot in the NBA Cup Semi Final.
The Pick :
Orlando Magic 108-112 Miami Heat
