Miami Heat Face Orlando Magic in Key NBA Emirates Cup Matchup

The Miami Heat are set to face their Florida rivals, the Orlando Magic, in a crucial NBA Emirates Cup quarterfinal matchup on December 9, 2025. This game will take place at the Kaseya Center and marks the third meeting between these two teams this season. Currently, the Magic lead the regular-season series 2-0. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET (3 p.m. PT), with live coverage available on Amazon Prime Video and streaming options through NBA League Pass and Fubo TV.

Both teams enter the contest with contrasting recent performances. The Heat are struggling, having lost their last three games with an average differential of 9.0 points per contest. Despite this slump, they hold a record of 14-10 and a commendable 3-1 showing in the 2025 NBA Emirates Cup. In contrast, the Magic have gained momentum, winning four of their last six games and finishing atop Group B in the Eastern Conference with a perfect 4-0 record in the Emirates Cup.

In a significant blow to Orlando, star player Franz Wagner suffered a high ankle sprain during their last game against the New York Knicks on December 6. Wagner has been instrumental in the Magic’s success against Miami this season, averaging 28 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in their previous matchups. His absence will undoubtedly impact Orlando’s chances as they seek to advance in the tournament.

Team Lineups and Key Matchups

The projected starting lineups for both teams highlight the Heat’s advantage in the paint. Miami’s starting five includes Davion Mitchell, Tyler Herro, Norman Powell, Andrew Wiggins, and Bam Adebayo. In contrast, the Magic will start Jalen Suggs, Desmond Bane, Anthony Black, Paolo Banchero, and Wendell Carter Jr.. With Mo Wagner also sidelined, Orlando loses another key interior presence, which could open scoring opportunities for Adebayo and his teammates.

Despite their recent struggles, Miami enters this matchup as the favorites. The Heat are positioned to exploit the Magic’s weakened lineup, particularly in the rebounding and scoring departments. Bam Adebayo is expected to play a pivotal role in capitalizing on Orlando’s defensive vulnerabilities.

As the game approaches, Miami is listed at -1.5 on the spread with odds of -106, while Orlando is at +1.5 with odds of -114. The total points over/under is set at 234.5 for both teams.

In summary, the Miami Heat’s current challenges could be mitigated by the Orlando Magic’s injury issues. The Heat are aiming to regain their footing in the tournament, and with the absence of Wagner, they have a genuine opportunity to secure a victory and progress to the semifinals.

Prediction: Expect the Heat to edge out the Magic by a margin of four points. Fans can stay updated on the latest developments of the game through various platforms, including the NBA League Pass and Amazon Prime Video.