The Orlando Magic and Miami Heat get their seasons underway at Amway Center. The game gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, October 17, 2018.
Miami is a 2.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 210.5 points.
Miami Heat at Orlando Magic Free Prediction
Miami went 44-38 in the regular season last season, earning them the six seed in the Eastern Conference. They fell in the First Round to the Philadelphia 76ers in five games. Orlando, meanwhile, was unable make the playoffs following a 25-57 regular season campaign.
Orlando might have trouble putting up points as they face off against one of the league’s best defenses. In the 2017-18 season, Miami ranked seventh in defensive efficiency while the Magic ranked 25th in offensive efficiency.
The Heat had records of 44-38 straight up (SU) and 49-33 against the spread (ATS) last season. Just over half of Miami’s games finished under the O/U total.
The Magic, meanwhile, were 25-57 SU and 33-48-1 ATS last season. Coinciding with Miami, Orlando games went under the projected point total 51.2 percent of the time.
These two teams split four games last season. The Magic won the last contest 111-109. Orlando’s effective field goal percentage was its largest advantage over Miami. The Magic had a rate of 0.565 while the Heat posted a mark of 0.446.
Miami Heat at Orlando Magic Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Heat, ATS Winner – Heat, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Orlando is 12-9 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Miami is 27-6.
The Heat are 33-21 when they reach the century mark, while the Magic are 24-31.
Miami ranks fourth in assists allowed per game (21.3) while Orlando ranks 23rd (24.4).
The Heat rank 10th in points allowed in the paint per game (43.6) while the Magic rank 28th (48.3).
Orlando ranks 12th in fast break points per game (12.6) while Miami ranks 26th (9.6).
The Heat average 5.4 blocks per game, which ranks sixth in the NBA. The Magic rank 18th in blocks allowed per game (4.9).
Miami ranks 17th in rebounds allowed per game (43.5) while Orlando ranks 28th (45.9).
The Heat average 16.6 points off turnovers per game, which ranks 13th in the NBA. The Magic rank 18th in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.0).
Miami is 26th in the league with 11.0 second chance points per game while Orlando is 27th with 10.8 second chance points per game.
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