A player that should have a two way chip on his shoulder is Desmond Bane. He is coming off being fined $35,000 for throwing the basketball off of OG Anunoby. Additionally, he struggled the last time facing the Miami Heat on December 5th when he went 2 of 16 from the floor and finished with five points. Expect a bounce back performance from Bane who will need to score more with Franz Wagner out with a sprained ankle.
The Heat are healthy for this game with Tyler Herro back from his toe injury. While his return might seem to hinder Norman Powell, Powell has scored at least 28 points in two of the three games that he has played with Herro. Powell just scored 28 points versus the Magic on Friday, although Herro sat out that matchup. Powell is averaging 24.8 points per game, so in an NBA Cup battle in which I think the starters play a ton of minutes, this over can still cash.
Scorelines have been slowly reducing in Orlando games and might reduce even more now that Franz Wagner is out. Jamahl Mosely has plenty of practice dealing without his key cogs. Both Wagner and Paolo Banchero missed significant time last season, and Banchero only recently returned to active duty from a groin strain. Banchero's recent numbers in his first two games since being activated suggests he is being brought back slowly. No Orlando scoreline has cleared 226 the past three games. As for Miami, the Heat are playing faster this season with with Normal Powell in the lineup, but its scorelines have started to dip slightly. This is also the third game between these two so no secrets between them. Play Heat-Magic Under
Magic leading scorer Franz Wagner (ankle) is out, and Paolo Banchero remains on a minutes restriction. That should mean a huge role for Anthony Black in this NBA Cup quarterfinal. As it is, Black is averaging 30.8 minutes and 13.3 rebounds plus assists this month. The Heat play at the league's fastest pace, which should increase Black's opportunities. He posted eight rebounds and six assists vs. Miami in Friday's 106-105 home win. Black isn't shooting well so I like isolating his rebounds and assists rather than going PRA. I would also play Over 9.5 at even money or better.
FanDuel. Wendell Carter Jr. has remained under this line in 15/23 games this season. Franz Wagner is now out with an injury, but Carter’s performance this season was largely without Paolo Banchero, who is available tonight. The Heat allow the eighth fewest points plus assists to opposing centers, despite playing at a high pace this season. With this being an NBA Cup game, I do expect the pace to slow down a bit (as we’d typically see in the playoffs). Carter has historically struggled against the Heat, and I don’t expect a usage uptick tonight.
Da Silva finished with 17 points (6-14 FG, 4-11 3Pt, 1-2 FT), three rebounds, two assists and two steals over 24 minutes in Sunday's 119-105 preseason loss to Cleveland.
Wagner finished with 10 points (4-7 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 1-1 FT), five rebounds and three assists over 15 minutes in Sunday's 119-105 preseason loss to the Cavaliers.
Banchero ended with 10 points (1-10 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 7-10 FT), seven rebounds, two assists and one block over 18 minutes in Sunday's 119-105 preseason loss to Cleveland.
Black (ankle) is out for Sunday's preseason game against the Cavaliers, Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel reports.
Isaac (personal, knee) is out for Sunday's preseason game against the Cavaliers, Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel reports.
Penda (hamstring) isn't listed on the Magic's injury report for Sunday's preseason game against Cleveland.
Da Silva will start Sunday's preseason game against the Cavaliers, Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel reports.
Suggs (illness) is out for Sunday's preseason game against the Cavaliers, Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel reports.
Fontecchio mustered 14 points (4-12 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 2-2 FT) and one rebound in 24 minutes during Saturday's 125-124 preseason loss to the Timberwolves.
Jovic managed 16 points (7-11 FG, 2-2 3Pt, 0-1 FT), six rebounds, three assists and three steals in 25 minutes during Saturday's 125-124 preseason loss to the Timberwolves.
