PRE SEASON: Orlando Magic Vs Miami Heat

PRE SEASON: ORLANDO MAGIC VS MIAMI HEAT (OCT 12TH 2025)

BY |DARYL FONGANG OCT 19TH 2025

FINAL SCORE: ORLANDO 120 - MIAMI 104

LINEUPS AND ROTATIONS

Missed Starters:

Both sides were resting key players: Orlando sat out stars like Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane, while Miami rested Bam Adebayo, Norman Powell, Andrew Wiggins and others. Because of this, the game was more about bench/development players than the full unit performances.

Stand out Performers:

For Orlando: Wendell Carter Jr. got off to a strong start — 12 points on 5‑of‑8 in just 14 minutes and four boards.

For Miami: Kel’el Ware posted 24 points and 10 rebounds.

However, Miami’s shooting efficiency was shaky (about 38.5% FG) and they were out‑rebounded 75 to 52 by Orlando.

FINAL SCORE AND FLOW

Quarter Breakdown

- Q1: ORL 37 – MIA 32
- Q2: ORL 25 – MIA 23
- Q3: ORL 29 – MIA 22
- Q4: ORL 29 – MIA 27

Shooting & efficiency:

- Miami shot 38.5% (35/91) from the field.

- Orlando shot 39.4% (37/94) from the field.

- 3PT: Miami 9/33 (27.3%), Orlando 13/40 (32.5%).

- Free Throws: Miami 25/34 (73.5%), Orlando 33/38 (86.8%).

- Turnovers: Miami 15, Orlando 19.

- Rebounds: Miami 52 total, Orlando 75 total.

ORLANDO MAGIC OVERVIEW

Positives

Rebounding dominance:
Orlando completely controlled the glass, out-rebounding Miami 75 to 52. That kind of effort not only limits second-chance opportunities for opponents but also kickstarts transition offense. It was a major reason they stayed in control throughout the game.
Bench depth shines:
With stars like Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane resting, the Magic’s second unit stepped up and looked confident. Players like Wendell Carter Jr., who had 12 points in limited minutes, and others brought great energy. That depth will be key during the long grind of the season.
Free throw execution:
The Magic hit 86.8% (33/38) of their free throws — a very strong mark that helped them pad their lead and close out quarters with momentum. This kind of efficiency from the line wins close games.
Balanced scoring & control:
Orlando outscored Miami in every quarter. Even without their top guys, the team stayed consistent and disciplined. That’s a good sign for chemistry and coaching execution heading into the regular season.

MIAMI HEAT OVERVIEW

Positives

- Young player flashes: Big props to Kel'el Ware who put up 24 points and 10 rebounds. It’s encouraging to see a younger guy step into a bigger role and deliver.
- Some effort despite the loss: The Heat managed to stay in the game somewhat by the fourth quarter (27 points in Q4) after digging themselves a big hole. Shows they didn’t completely collapse.
- Opportunity to evaluate depth/rotation early: Preseason is about trying out lineups, giving minutes to younger players and role guys. This game gave Miami that look.
Questions / Areas of concern
- Offensive efficiency was weak: Miami shot 35‑of‑91 from the field (~38.5%) and just 9‑of‑33 from three (~27.3%). That kind of low output is hard to overcome.
- Turnover & ball control: Miami committed 15 turnovers. Against a team executing their rotations well, that gives up too many opportunities.