Heat vs. Magic: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info and More

The Miami Heat have fallen two games behind the Chicago Bulls for first place in the Eastern Conference at 31-9, but they are still in firm control of the Southeast Division and will take on the rival Orlando Magic on the road Tuesday night.

Each team has a win in the season series. The Magic won via a blowout at home earlier in the year, while the Heat returned the favor on their home court a few weeks ago. Miami endured two losses when Chris Bosh was dealing with the death of his grandmother last week, but since his return, they have won three straight.

The Magic will certainly try to focus on the task at hand, but with the trade deadline coming up on Thursday, it's difficult not to talk about the status of center Dwight Howard. It's possible that Orlando could still trade him, but time is running out, and it seems more likely that the organization will attempt to re-sign him instead.

Here is your definitive guide for the Heat vs. Magic clash Tuesday night at the Amway Center.

Where: Amway Center in Orlando, Fla.

When: Tuesday, March 13 at 7 p.m. ET

Watch: NBA TV

Live Stream: NBA League Pass

Listen: The Ticket 790 AM (Miami) and WDBO 580 AM (Orlando)

Betting Line: Miami (-4.5)

Heat Key Injuries (According to CBS Sports)

Out: SF Mike Miller (ankle)

Magic Key Injuries (According to CBS Sports)

Out: SG Jason Richardson (ankle)

What They're Saying

Miami has bounced back from just its second two-game losing streak of the season with three consecutive wins, but the Heat will embark on perhaps their toughest road trip of the season. It will feature three games in four nights against three of the Eastern Conference's best teams, and Heat guard Dwyane Wade knows it will be a challenge, according to Joseph Goodman of the Miami Herald:

"

The schedule gods didn’t think about us on this one, so it’s a tough one, Heat guard Dwyane Wade said. With three of the top teams in the Eastern Conference — all very good home teams — we’ve got to play real good basketball to be successful in this road trip.

It’s something we can do, but it’s going to be tough.

 

"

Most Important Player to Watch: Dwight Howard

Since the Miami Heat have so many stars, including LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, it's difficult to point out one as being more important than the other. For the Magic, though, there is no question that their key to victory lies in their ability to get center Dwight Howard the ball in advantageous scoring positions. They have largely been able to do that this season, as he is averaging 21 points along with 15 rebounds and over two blocks per contest.

Despite all the distractions regarding Howard's contract status, he has been as good as ever this year and is the main reason why the Magic are 27-15, which is impressive considering his mediocre supporting cast. Howard exploded for 25 points and 24 boards in Orlando's win over Miami earlier in the season and will have to do something similar in this contest.

Key Matchup: Miami Front Court vs. Dwight Howard

While the Heat are better known for their perimeter players like James and Wade, they have done a nice job this season with interior defense. Bosh has been a lot tougher in that regard, and center Joel Anthony has developed into an excellent defensive specialist. Miami's frontcourt doesn't have many issues against run-of-the-mill bigs, but Howard is the best in the league by a wide margin.

They actually seemed to be Superman's kryptonite the last time these teams met. Howard scored only 12 points, but he was much better in the previous game.

Provided Miami's bigs do close to as good of a job this time around as they did on Howard last game, the Heat will win easily. If they get pushed around like they did last time in Orlando, though, it will be a much different story.

Prediction

Heat 88, Magic 82