The Miami Heat and Orlando Magic will square off against one another on Thursday night to kick off the first post-Christmas game for each side. Both teams have been dealing with drama entering this game but for different reasons.
The Magic have seen a plethora of injuries hit them this season but the healthy players have pushed through. Orlando has stayed alive in the Eastern Conference playoff race despite all the issues that they've seen.
They enter this game with a record of 19-12 on the season, sitting in fourth place within the standings. Orlando has faced much adversity this year and their resilience has been inspiring to see.
As for Miami, they currently hold a record of 14-13 for the year, sitting in sixth place within the East standings. The Heat have been dealing with trade rumors regarding star forward Jimmy Butler.
The speculation has gotten serious enough that Miami president Pat Riley was forced to release a statement about the matter.
Read more: Pat Riley Releases Statement on Jimmy Butler Trade Rumors
Heading into this game, Butler was listed as doubtful to play due to return to competition reconditioning. Butler has missed the past two games for Miami, including a different contest with the Magic.
After the final injury report was released, it showed that Butler would indeed be missing another game for Miami. The Heat will need to push forward without their star while they also deal with all the trade rumors floating around.
Jimmy Butler (conditioning) ruled out Thursday.
— Underdog NBA (@Underdog__NBA) December 26, 2024For the Magic, they will be without star Paolo Banchero, who is currently dealing with an oblique issue. Forwards Franz Wagner remains out as well while dealing with an oblique injury as well. Additionally, Moe Wagner remains out with a recently suffered knee injury.
Read more: Magic Lose Another Crucial Player to Season-Ending Injury
Normally a game filled with star power, both sides will be looking for others to step up. For the Heat, it will be center Bam Adebayo as Miami looks to win their second straight game.
Miami has gone 5-5 over their past 10 games overall so a win over the Magic could go a long way. Orlando just beat this team a few days ago so the Heat will be looking for some redemption.
The Magic are looking to win their third straight game entering this contest. Orlando holds a record of 5-5 over their past 10 games as well.
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