The Eastern Conference remains wide open, and Friday’s matchup between the Heat and Magic showcases two banged-up contenders still trying to find their ceiling. Orlando has quietly gone 7-3 without Paolo Banchero and could get its All-Star back, while Miami brings a revamped, high-octane offense led by Norman Powell into a rematch of their 125-121 season-opening thriller.

Heat vs. Magic Prediction

The Eastern Conference is wide open this season, and this matchup features two teams that aren’t elite but are squarely in the mix. After a disappointingly slow start to the year, the Magic have at least started to show flashes of the team we expected to see.

Orlando has been playing without All-Star forward Paolo Banchero, who has missed the last 10 games with a groin injury. Jamahl Mosley’s squad has posted a 7-3 record in his absence. Banchero is listed as questionable for this game, and the hope is that he can provide the additional offensive firepower the team needs upon his return.

MORE: NBA Power Rankings

The Heat revamped their offense, and it has paid big dividends. They are second in the NBA in scoring (123.0 PPG), behind offseason acquisition Norman Powell, who leads the team with 25.0 points per game. Powell is questionable, as is Tyler Herro, who has been looking good since returning from injury.

game 23 🪄

🆚: @MiamiHEAT
📍: @TheKiaCenter
🕖: 7 PM
🎟️: https://t.co/MJZDcDk15N
📺: @FanDuelSN_FL (pregame 6:30 PM)
📲: @FanDuelSN App
📻: @969gameon

watch → https://t.co/7R95wJVnvk pic.twitter.com/whTWqCvZd9

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) December 5, 2025

Miami and Orlando are both in the top 10 in both scoring and defensive rating. Both banged up for much of the season, I don’t think we’ve seen either team’s peak.
The last time these two met was the season opener, where Orlando won 125-121. Another tight game is likely.

Heat vs. Magic Prediction: Magic 120, Heat 115

Heat vs. Magic How to Watch

Date: Friday, Dec. 5
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Kia Center
How to Watch (TV): FDSN-FL, FDSN-Sun

Heat vs. Magic Injury Reports
Heat Injury Report

Myron Gardner – out
Vladislav Goldin – out
Tyler Herro – questionable
Kasparas Jakucionis – out
Jaime Jaquez Jr. – available
Keshad Johnson – available
Nikola Jovic – available
Pelle Larsson – available
Norman Powell – questionable
Terry Rozier – out
Andrew Wiggins – available

Magic Injury Report

Paolo Banchero – questionable
Jamal Cain – out
Colin Castleton – out
Orlando Robinson – out
Franz Wagner – available
Moritz Wagner – out