The Orlando Magic face an unusual challenge as they approach the final stretch of the season. Typically a team’s biggest challenge comes against a team they struggle against. However, with just 17 games left, the Magic’s biggest test is against a team they’ve consistently defeated: the Miami Heat.
Orlando has had tremendous success against the Heat, winning six of their last eight meetings, including all four matchups this season. Despite the Magic’s success, the Heat are one of the few teams playing arguably better basketball.
Eastern Conference Showdown
Both Orlando and Miami are vying for a potential top-5 seed. The stakes are high as we enter the final month, making the game a must-win for both teams.
At the time of publication, Orlando and Miami are tied for the No. 5 seed in the East. Both are a 0.5 game ahead of Toronto and two ahead of Philadelphia. Philadelphia have lost five of its last eight and nine of its last 15 after a 30-22 start.
Although the Magic are one game ahead of the Heat in the loss column, they could potentially expand that gap with a rare five-game season sweep.
Tiebreaker Implications
There are also Southeast Division implications regarding tiebreakers. A win against Miami boosts Orlando’s chances of winning the Southeast. If there’s a multi-team tiebreaker, that’s the foremost distinguisher.
It is also another opportunity for the Magic to reinforce the belief that they have passed their longtime rival. For years, Florida was always the Heat’s state. That’s been the case for the better part of three decades.
The last three seasons have told a different tale, although both have been marred by injury and inconsistency. On the perfect night, Orlando is the bigger, more physical team.
A Playoff Atmosphere Anticipated
Games between the Heat and Magic will be far from perfect, aesthetically. It will be played in the mud; it will be chippy. Both will treat it like a playoff game, even if it’s just a random Saturday in March.
- Orlando is 9-3 since the All-Star break.
- Miami is 9-2 since the All-Star break.
- Orlando has a plus-9.2 NET (5th).
- The Heat have a plus-11.2 NET (11.2).
Orlando has beaten the Clippers, Lakers, Timberwolves and Cavaliers since the ASB. The Heat have beaten Houston, a red-hot Hornets team and the top-seeded Pistons.