Heat Look To Dominate In State Rival Magic
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - The Miami Heat look to continue dominating the Sunshine State series when they visit the Orlando Magic on Friday in the first of a home-and-home. The Heat, who are in a four-way battle for third place in the Eastern Conference, have won four straight against Orlando – two this season by an average of nine points – and 14 of the last 15 encounters.
The Magic have knocked off three teams who are in the fight for a playoff spot in the last few weeks, but coughed up a lead in the second half to drop a 108-104 decision against Detroit on Wednesday. Orlando, which needs one victory to finish over .500 at home, is averaging 116.2 points during a 4-2 stretch overall. Miami has won seven of its last 10 after a 106-98 triumph at home against Chicago on Thursday and is in a virtual tie with Boston for fourth place in the East – one game behind third-place Atlanta. Veteran Dwyane Wade has averaged 18.5 points in two games since returning from a back injury and scored 24 at Orlando earlier this season.
Miami had solid balance in the comeback victory over Chicago as four players scored at least 16 points, led by 21 from Wade. Center Hassan Whiteside, who has been hampered by a thigh injury, had 16 points and 12 rebounds Thursday to record his third straight and 14th double-double in the last 17 contests. Guard Goran Dragic also registered a double-double with 16 points and 12 boards last time out and rookie Josh Richardson has scored 13 per game over the past three – almost double his season average.
Several Magic players have upgraded their offensive production at the end of a disappointing campaign in which Orlando is 14-32 since Jan. 1. Center Nikola Vucevic leads the team in scoring (18.0) and rebounding (9.0) and is averaging 21.5 points over the last four contests while swingman Evan Fournier (15.1 points) is scoring 20 per game over the same span. Victor Oladipo (16.1 points) has poured in 18.5 per game over the last four and fellow backcourt mate Elfrid Payton scored 17 on Wednesday.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Miami G Joe Johnson moved into 47th on the NBA's all-time scoring list with 19,254 points, passing Bob Lanier (19,248), after recording 17 on Thursday.
2. Orlando F Andrew Nicholson has scored in double figures seven straight games and 10 of the last 11 he has played.
3. Miami F Chris Bosh, who is still recovering from a blood clot, had 24 points and 10 rebounds in a 108-101 win at Orlando on Dec. 26.
PREDICTION: Magic 102, Heat 96
By SportsDirect Inc.