Miami Heat-Orlando Magic Preview: Injuries, Betting Lines, Starters & How to Watch

Previewing Friday night's preseason matchup in Orlando.

Dec 5, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) drives to the basket past Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) in the third quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Image | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Game date, time and location: Friday, Oct. 16, 7:00 p.m., Kia Center, Orlando, Florida

TV: WPLG Channel 10 (South Florida), Magic TV 27, DAZN (Orlando)

Radio: 104.3 FM, 1140 AM (South Florida), 96.9 FM The Game (Orlando)

VITALS: The Miami Heat and Orlando Magic meet for the 43rd time in preseason history, marking the most preseason matchups against any opponent. Miami is 20-22 all-time in preseason action versus Orlando.

The Heat are 81-66 against the Magic, all-time, in the regular season, including 45-27 at home and 36-39 on the road. Last season, the Magic beat the Heat in two preseason matchups and all four regular season matchups.

While last season, the Heat struggled terribly with Orlando, the roster is much different now. The Heat have the length to compete with a team that presents size at most positions. That, of course, includes Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is averaging about a point a minute in the preseason.

Orlando is trying to establish itself with a new offensive identity under first-year coach Sean Sweeney. Paolo Banchero shot poorly early in the preseason, but he and Franz Wagner are expected to pace the offense along with Desmond Bane. Orlando may need to upgrade at point guard from Jalen Suggs if he struggles as he did in the postseason.

Betting Lines (via FanDuel Sportsbook)

Spread: Heat +2.5 (-112), Magic -2.5 (-108)

Moneyline: Heat +212, Magic -140

Total points scored: 232.5 (over -112, under -112)

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

QUOTABLE

Miami Heat forward Giannis Antetokounmpo after the Heat's preseason win against the Brooklyn Nets: "I feel energized. I feel alive."

"I think the more I play, the more comfortable I’m going to get, but I’m good. I’m in a good place."

"It’s just fun being out there, doing what I do, make plays."

"I just want the regular season to start. That's when I get my dopamine."

PROJECTED STARTERS

HEAT

G Davion Mitchell

G Klay Thompson

C Nick Richards

F Andrew Wiggins

F Giannis Antetokounmpo

MAGIC

G Jalen Suggs

G Desmond Bane

C Wendell Carter Jr.

F Franz Wagner

F Paolo Banchero

INJURY REPORT

HEAT

Bam Adebayo: Out - Groin

Pelle Larsson: Day-to-day - Illness

Dru Smith: Out - Calf

Keshad Johnson: Active - Hamstring (Two-Way)

Tre Donaldson: Active - (Two-Way)

Vlad Goldin: Active - (Two-Way)

MAGIC

Anthony Black: Out - Ankle

Jonathan Isaac: Out - Knee

Nikola Vucevic: Day-to-day - Rest

Izaiyah Nelson: Out - Ankle (Two-Way)

Colin Castleton: Active - (Two-Way)

Alex Morales: Active - (Two-Way)

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STORYLINES

Giannis Looks MVP Caliber in Miami Heat Tune Up Against Nets

How Erik Spoelstra Finally Takes Home Coach of The Year

Miami Heat Named Potential Landing Spot for Two-Time All-Star

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For more Miami Heat information and conversation, check out Off The Floor.

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Alexander Toledo is a contributor to Miami Heat On SI and producer/co-host of the Five on the Floor podcast, covering the Heat and NBA. He can be reached at Twitter: @tropicalblanket