Orlando Magic Vs Miami Heat Prediction: That's why we're backing the underrated Heat

Prediction for the Orlando Magic Vs Miami Heat match will occur on December 22. Who will turn out to be stronger? Check the team conditions! Several betting options are available.

On 11 December, the Magic were knocked out of the NBA Cup in the quarter-finals, losing 109-114 on the road to Milwaukee. Jamal Moseley's team went on to lose two more games. Orlando lost at home to New York (91-100) and then at home to Oklahoma (99-105). It was an unfortunate run, but one that the Magic deserve credit for.

The Heat also had two unsuccessful outings ahead of their Florida derby with Orlando. First, Erik Spoelstra's side lost 124-125 (114-114) in overtime to Detroit. Then, Miami hosted Western Conference leaders Oklahoma at home and, like the Magic, failed to break the 100-point barrier in a 97-104 loss to the Thunder.

Orlando is struggling without Franz Wagner and Paolo Banquero, and it seems that they should not be considered such apparent favorites in this game. That's why we're backing the underrated Heat with a plus handicap and a total smaller than the points scored. The Magic, we repeat, are second in defensive efficiency, but Miami is also sixth in defensive rating.