
Miami Heat

Orlando Magic
Preview
ORLANDO, Fla. (Interstat) — The Miami Heat and Orlando Magic, two teams looking to rebound from midweek losses, meet Friday night at Kia Center in a battle of Southeast Division rivals. The Heat (14-8) arrive after a 118-108 road loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. Rookie center Kel’el Ware posted 22 points and 10 rebounds in that defeat, while Bam Adebayo added 21 points. Miami had won four of its previous five before the loss. The Magic (13-9) are also coming off a narrow home loss, falling 114-112 to the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. Franz Wagner led Orlando with 25 points and six assists, and Jalen Suggs added 24 points. This will be the second meeting between the teams this season. Orlando won the first matchup 125-121 on Oct. 22. The teams have split their last 10 regular-season games. The matchup features two of the Eastern Conference’s top defenses. The game could hinge on interior play, featuring Miami’s Adebayo and the emerging Ware against Orlando’s frontline. Following Friday’s game, the teams will meet again in Orlando on Tuesday. The Heat will host Sacramento on Saturday. The Magic travel to face the New York Knicks on Sunday.