The Miami Heat held on late to secure a victory and check off the one item on their Christmas list: to WIN.
The Orlando Magic, on the other hand, won’t have their Christmas wish list fulfilled. Losing has been common for the Magic this season; Orlando now sits at 7-27.
Orlando Magic
Overall, it was a quiet night in Miami, Florida with neither team breaking 100 points. Orlando had four guys in double figures: Gary Harris (20), R.J. Hampton (14), Franz Wagner (13), and Hassani Gravett (12). Gary Harris had an efficient night, shooting 7-11 from the field. R.J. led the team with five assists, while Gravett was able to secure the same amount of rebounds. Wendell Carter Jr., meanwhile, secured 14 rebounds to go with his eight points.
Miami Heat
Miami had a quiet night of their own despite five guys scoring in double figures. No one was able to eclipse the 20 point mark. Both Jimmy Butler and Caleb Martin were the closest with 17 points each. Omer Yurtseven had 16 points, and Max Strus and Gabe Vincent both had 13 point efforts. Jimmy had a terrific rebounding performance with 11, but that was second to Yurtseven’s 15 rebounds. Gabe Vincent and Tyler Herro, meanwhile, both dished out eight assists.
Injury Report
The Orlando Magic had 11 players out with five of those due to covid protocols. Key players that were out: Mo Bamba, Jalen Suggs, Michael Carter-Williams, Markelle Fultz, Terrence Ross, and Jonathan Isaac.
Miami was without their two top centers, leaving them with only one healthy player on the roster taller than 6’8 (Omer Yurtseven).
Who’s Next?
Orlando Magic (7-27) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (22-13) on Tuesday, Dec. 28th (7:00 PM ET)
Miami Heat (21-13) vs. Washington Wizards (17-15) on Tuesday, Dec. 28th (7:30 PM ET)
(Featured image by Lynne Sladky/AP)