The Miami Heat are back at Kaseya Center tonight, hosting the Orlando Magic in what’s shaping up to be a critical in-state showdown. With the season series already tilting Orlando’s way-two close wins in their building-Miami has a chance to claw one back on home court. But they’ll have to do it potentially shorthanded.
Injury Report: Depth Tested Again
The Heat could be without several key rotation players tonight. Davion Mitchell (shoulder), Kel’el Ware (hamstring), and Norman Powell (back) are all listed as questionable.
Tyler Herro remains out with a rib injury, and Terry Rozier is also unavailable, not currently with the team. Vladislav Goldin and Jahmir Young are both out while with the G League.
That’s a lot of firepower either sidelined or uncertain. Ware’s potential absence is especially notable-not just because of his recent selection to the Rising Stars Challenge during All-Star Weekend, but because Miami’s frontcourt depth is already thin. If he can’t go, Bam Adebayo will be asked to shoulder even more responsibility on both ends.
The Magic aren’t coming in at full strength either. Franz Wagner, a key piece of their offense, is out with an ankle injury. Colin Castleton is also unavailable while on G League assignment.
Series History & What’s at Stake
This is the third of four regular-season meetings between the Heat and Magic. Orlando has taken the first two by a combined five points-tight games that could’ve gone either way.
Last season, the series was split 2-2. Historically, Miami holds the edge, leading the all-time regular season series 81-63, including a strong 45-25 mark at home.
This game isn’t just about bragging rights in Florida. January has been a grind for the Heat-17 games in total, the most they’ll play in any month this season.
It’s a schedule that tests resilience, depth, and focus. And with the postseason race tightening, every win matters.
Projected Starters
Heat:
- G Norman Powell (if available)
- G Kasparas Jakucionis
- C Bam Adebayo
- F Pelle Larsson
- F Andrew Wiggins
Magic:
- F Desmond Bane
- F Paolo Banchero
- C Wendell Carter Jr.
- G Anthony Black
- G Jalen Suggs
If Powell can’t go, expect the Heat to get creative with their backcourt rotations. Jakucionis, the young guard, will be under the spotlight again, while Wiggins and Larsson will need to bring energy and defensive versatility to keep up with Orlando’s athletic wings.
Spoelstra on the Team’s Grit
Head coach Erik Spoelstra, never one to sugarcoat the grind of the NBA season, praised his team’s response in a recent back-to-back stretch that included a tough turnaround against the Suns.
“It was a fun two games,” Spoelstra said. “This was a tough turnaround and I’m not making an excuse for it... everybody just absolutely rallied around the opportunity.”
He highlighted the team’s resilience in key stretches, especially when Phoenix made a push in the fourth quarter. That kind of collective spirit-what Spo calls “the mentality”-has long been a hallmark of the Heat culture. And with tonight’s matchup falling in the middle of a brutal January slate, that mindset will be tested again.
Tipoff & Broadcast Info
- Game Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Kaseya Center, Miami
- TV: FanDuel Sports Network
- Betting Line: Heat +9.5
Miami’s looking to flip the script tonight. With injuries mounting and the Magic already holding the season edge, this one’s about more than just a win-it’s about momentum, identity, and proving they can punch back when the odds are stacked.