NBA Preseason Preview: Orlando at Miami

With teams just a week away from the start of the 2016-2017 NBA season, the Orlando Magic will take on the Miami Heat Tuesday night.

Orlando’s trip to Miami will mark the sixth game of the preseason for both teams. The Heat (3-2) are coming off of a Saturday night loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves by a score of 101-96. Orlando (1-4) is also coming off a loss, as they fell in Sunday night’s game against the Atlanta Hawks 105-98.

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Who’s Out

The Miami Heat will be missing center Hassan Whiteside Tuesday night, whose absence is due to a death in his family. Forwards Josh McRoberts (foot), Okaro White (ankle), Luke Babbitt (groin),  guard Josh Richardson (knee) as well as Chris Bosh (blood clots), are all listed as out for Tuesday night’s game.

Forward Justise Winslow’s status (back) will be decided right before the game.

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For the Magic, centers Bismack Biyombo and Nikola Vucevic as well as forward Jeff Green and guard C.J. Watson will sit out due to rest.

Tonight’s Game

Tuesday night’s game in Miami will serve as a good tune-up for both teams’ season openers next Wednesday. The Miami Heat will travel to Orlando for their first game of the season.

Orlando forward Serge Ibaka stepped up in their last game against the Hawks Sunday night, and the Magic will hope for a repeat performance tonight. Ibaka led both teams with 25 points.

Magic head coach Frank Vogel says Ibaka’s last few games have given him insight on what Ibaka’s role will be this season.

It is Hassan Whiteside who appears to be the on-the-court leader for the Heat so far this preseason. For Whiteside though, every one of his teammates has the chance to be the playmaker the team needs.

Both teams will take the court tonight at 7:30 p.m.