Two of the top teams in the Southeast Division tip off tonight when the Orlando Magic host the Miami Heat.
Depth has been a key part of Miami’s success this season and Kel’el Ware has been one of the team’s most important bench players.
Advertisement
I’ll explain why I’m expecting the sophomore center to have a big night in my Heat vs. Magic predictions & NBA picks for Friday, December 5.
Heat vs Magic prediction
Heat vs Magic best bet: Kel’el Ware Over 19.5 points and rebounds (-115)
The Miami Heat have an All-Star center in Bam Adebayo, but they may have already found his replacement in Kel’el Ware.
The 21-year-old has gotten off to a fantastic start in his sophomore season, ranking sixth in the NBA in rebounds per game (10.6) and ninth in ppg among all second-year players (12.2).
Ware’s game really took off last month, where he averaged 13.5 points and a massive 11.8 boards per game in 26 minutes of court time per contest.
Advertisement
The 7-footer has recorded Over 19.5 points plus rebounds in 11 of his last 13 outings. In fact, he’s topped that number with points alone in four of his last seven.
The Heat could be down two key scorers in Norman Powell (ankle) and Tyler Herro (toe) tonight, which will open up even more opportunity for Ware to shine.
Heat vs Magic same-game parlay
Franz Wagner is averaging just 1.4 threes per game and has made multiple treys in a contest just once in his last eight outings. The Heat are also tied as the best team in the NBA in opponent three point percentage (32.6%).
Paolo Banchero is set to return to the Orlando Magic lineup tonight and he should clear a generous line of 17.5 points against a Heat team that doesn’t play great defense. Banchero has hit Over 17.5 points in nine of his 12 appearances this season.
Advertisement
Heat vs Magic SGP
Kel’el Ware Over 19.5 points and rebounds
Franz Wagner Under 1.5 threes made
Paolo Banchero Over 17.5 points
Our “from downtown” SGP: Bam keeps double-doubles coming
Adebayo has recorded a double-double in three of his last four games. Scoring shouldn’t be a problem for the Heat center, who’s averaging 19.5 ppg, so he’ll just need to find a way to log 10 boards.
While the Magic do a good job of rebounding as a team, Adebayo and Ware are arguably the two best individual rebounders in tonight’s game, so they should clean up on the glass.
Heat vs Magic SGP
Kel’el Ware Over 19.5 points and rebounds
Franz Wagner Under 1.5 threes made
Paolo Banchero Over 17.5 points
Bam Adebayo to record double-double
Heat vs Magic odds
Spread: Miami +5.5 (-110) | Orlando -5.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Miami 241.5 (-110) | Orlando 241.5 (-110)
Over/Under: Over +180 | Under -220
Heat vs Magic betting trend to know
The Heat have hit the 1H Moneyline in 46 of their last 76 games (+24.80 Units / 21% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Heat vs. Magic.
Advertisement
How to watch Heat vs Magic
Location
Kia Center, Orlando, FL
Date
Friday, December 5, 2025
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN Sun, FDSN Florida
Heat vs Magic latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here