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Heat face Magic in opener following pair of 1st-round exits
The NBA season tips off with the Orlando Magic hosting the Miami Heat on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET at the Kia Center. Both teams return from first-round playoff exits and aim to set an early tone in the Eastern Conference. Orlando, led by Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, looks to build on back-to-back Southeast Division titles. Miami, under Erik Spoelstra, opens the campaign without Tyler Herro but adds Norman Powell to strengthen its perimeter game.
The Magic dominated preseason play, going 4-0 with improved offensive efficiency behind new additions Desmond Bane and Tyus Jones. Miami struggled in the exhibition slate but still carries experience and grit from Adebayo, Wiggins, and Spoelstra’s leadership. The last meeting saw Orlando erase a 25-point deficit to stun the Heat, a loss that still stings heading into this rematch.
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Line Movement and Odds
The Magic opened as -6.5 favorites but moved to -8.5 (-107) on sharp action after injury news on Miami’s backcourt. The Heat are +8.5 (-114) on the spread and +286 on the moneyline, while Orlando sits at -358. The total opened at 219.5 but has since dipped to 217.5, signaling early money on the under. According to consensus data from the NBA odds page public bettors are leaning 61% toward the Magic spread, while sharper money has leaned under on the total.
Matchup Breakdown
Orlando’s Edge:
The Magic owned the NBA’s top scoring defense (105.5 PPG allowed) last season and have added reliable spacing through Bane, a career 41% three-point shooter. Franz Wagner and Banchero provide inside-out balance, while Tyus Jones adds ball control against pressure defenses. Orlando’s home-court edge and deeper bench could prove decisive in the opener.
Miami’s Path:
The Heat need Adebayo to anchor both ends and Powell to supply steady perimeter scoring. Rookie Jahmir Young and Kel’el Ware flashed potential in preseason, and Miami’s effort on the glass remains a key factor. Still, their perimeter defense must slow Orlando’s shooters to stay competitive. Expect Spoelstra to rely on a tight rotation and half-court execution to keep this one close.
Injuries and Conditions
Miami Heat
- Tyler Herro (foot) – out
- Josh Richardson (ankle) – doubtful
- Jaime Jaquez Jr. (back) – probable
Full details available in the Miami Heat injury report
Orlando Magic
- Moritz Wagner (ACL) – out
- Wendell Carter Jr. (conditioning) – probable
- Jonathan Isaac (hamstring) – questionable
See complete updates on the Orlando Magic injury report
No outdoor conditions apply.
Latest Betting Trends
- Heat are 5-2 ATS in their last seven games against Orlando.
- Magic are 8-1 straight up in their last nine home games.
- The total has gone under in five of Miami’s last seven season openers.
- Orlando went 27-14 ATS at home last season, second-best in the East.
- Miami has lost 22 games after double-digit leads last year, most in the league.
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Best Bets and Prediction
Both teams bring new faces and motivations, but Orlando’s depth, defense, and continuity give it the advantage. Miami’s effort should keep this competitive early, yet lack of scoring depth looms large late.
Prediction: Magic 110, Heat 103
Best Bet: Heat +8.5
Lean: Under 217.5
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