The Miami Heat will seek to build off their surprise run to the NBA Finals as they begin their 2020-21 season against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday evening.
The Heat won last year’s regular-season series against the Magic 3-1, and this marks the eighth time the teams will square off in a season opener, and the first such occasion since 2018.
Despite the short offseason, Miami bolstered its roster with key acquisitions such as Avery Bradley, Maurice Harkless, and Precious Achiuwa, while the Magic added Cole Anthony and Chuma Okeke. Continue reading for all the relevant information you’ll need to know for tonight’s Sunshine State showdown.
Related: Miami Heat 2020-2021 NBA season preview
Heat vs. Magic: TV information, betting odds
Time: 7:00 pm EST
TV: FOX Sports Sun, NBA League Pass
Spread: Heat -4.5
Moneyline: Heat -200 | Magic +165
Over/Under: 216.5
Miami Heat injury report
- Gabe Vincent (knee procedure): Questionable
Orlando Magic injury report
- James Ennis III (hamstring): Out
- Al-Farouq Aminu (knee): Out
- Jonathan Issac (knee): Out for the season
Heat vs. Magic: Projected starting lineups
Miami Heat projected starting lineup
PG Tyler Herro, SG Duncan Robinson, SF Jimmy Butler, PF Maurice Harkless, C Bam Adebayo
Orlando Magic projected starting lineup
PG Markelle Fultz, SG Evan Fournier, SF Dwayne Bacon, PF Aaron Gordon, C Nikola Vucevic
Young players to watch during Heat vs. Magic season opener
Most NBA fans are fairly well-acquainted with Jimmy Butler after his incredible display throughout the playoffs in 2020. He’ll always be a major factor in any game he’s in. The same goes for Orlando center Nikola Vucevic, who’s the only All-Star on the Magic roster and faces a very difficult head-to-head matchup with Bam Adebayo.
Instead of focusing on such known commodities, let’s take a closer look at the young studs to watch for this evening.
Tyler Herro is coming off a strong rookie season and should start at point guard for the Miami Heat tonight. Herro, who’ll turn 21 in January, has continued to work on his game and looked solid running the offense during the preseason. Wednesday night will be a strong indicator to see what Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra has in store for him. Can the second-year rising star make a big leap forward as an NBA sophomore?
KZ Okpala will be another Heat player to watch after his strong performance against the Toronto Raptors in the Heat’s last preseason game. Okpala most likely will not start, yet if he can put up half of the 24 points he scored last Friday night, he could see an increased role within the rotation this season.
Cole Anthony is the Orlando Magic’s first selection the 2020 NBA Draft. Anthony had a great preseason and looked like himself before he went to North Carolina. It will be interesting to see how much he is involved in the game and how much Magic head coach Steve Clifford trusts the young rookie.
Markelle Fultz is playing his first game since his extension with the Magic this weekend. Fultz has finally found a home and will look to continue improving his shot and progress as a playmaker to offset his perimeter shooting difficulties. Overall, Fultz should have a bigger role with the Magic in 2020-21 since they’ve committed to him for three additional years.