Orlando Magic vs. Miami Heat: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info and More
The Miami Heat return home from an impressive 5-1 road trip Sunday when they host their in-state Florida rivals, the Orlando Magic, in an important game for both teams.
The Heat are playing fantastic basketball right now after destroying the Cleveland Cavaliers on the road Friday night and will hope to extend their lead in the Southeast Division with a win Sunday.
Orlando is hoping to close their four-game deficit in the division and earn a confidence-boosting win. These teams met for the first time this season on Feb. 8 when the Magic won comfortably at home.
Let's preview this awesome matchup of elite Eastern Conference teams.
Where: AmericanAirlines Arena; Miami, Fla.
When: Sunday, Feb. 19 at 3:30 p.m. ET
Watch: ABC
Live Stream: NBA League Pass
Betting Line: TBD
Key Injuries (via USA Today):
No key players injured for Miami.
Magic forward Glen Davis is probable for Sunday's game for personal reasons.
What's at Stake?
For the Heat, widening their lead atop the Southeast Division would really help, and they need every win possible to ensure they earn the No. 1 seed for the Eastern Conference over the Chicago Bulls.
For the Magic, there's a little more at stake.
Even though they beat the Heat already this season, it was at home. Miami is playing exceptional basketball right now, so the Magic will be well tested on Sunday. Another loss to an elite team will not give Dwight Howard a ton of confidence for the playoffs when the Magic will likely have to go through the Heat to reach the NBA Finals again.
What They're Saying:
Miami Heat forward LeBron James talked about what his team needs to do in order to defeat Orlando on Sunday.
""It's important for us to come in with a great mindset like we did on this trip and play with an edge like we're on the road, still," he said. 'We need to continue to play with an edge, like we're on the road, even though we're going home, and not be comfortable."
"
Most Important Player to Watch: Chris Bosh
Chris Bosh looks more comfortable in a Miami Heat jersey this season than he did last year, and he's coming off an impressive performance on Friday when he lead the team with 12 rebounds in a win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Magic don't have any power forwards who are able to defend him on the low block, so I expect Bosh to demand the ball in the paint and be aggressive from the opening tip on Sunday.
Miami should look to get Bosh involved early with several touches in the paint and in places where he can shoot his mid-range shot with confidence.
Key Matchup: Battle at Center
The matchup at center will be one to watch, because it is the most important one for the Magic.
Howard has to dominate at both ends of the floor if the Magic are going to have a shot at beating the Heat, especially if Orlando is struggling from the three-point line.
Heat center Joel Anthony will need to play well defensively against Howard and knock him off his game.
Prediction: Heat 98, Magic 92
The Heat are a more complete basketball team than the Magic right now, and they return home with a ton of confidence after an impressive 5-1 road trip.
They are firing on all cylinders right now and should not have too much trouble beating a Magic team that has been inconsistent this season.
Miami will do a good job playing Howard defensively and exploiting mismatches at the offensive end of the floor with James.





.jpg)




