Orlando Magic Visit Miami Heat: Game 32 Preview

Tonight, the Miami Heat host the Orlando Magic at the American Airlines Arena in Miami. This is the second of four games this season between the division rivals, and the first of two in South Florida.

Miami is coming off a successful six game roadtrip. They started out by losing to the Magic, 102-89 before beating the Washington Wizards, 106-89, the Atlanta Hawks, 107-87, the Milwaukee Bucks, 114-96, the Indiana Pacers, 105-90, and the Cleveland Cavaliers, 111-87 on Friday. On their current five game winning streak, the Heat have scored at least 105 points in each game and allowed no more than 96 to any opponent, winning by an average of 18.8 points per game, an unprecedented accomplishment on the road.

After tonight's game they host the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday and the New York Knicks on Thursday.

Orlando swept a three game homestand, taking out the Minnesota Timberwolves, 102-89, the Philadelphia 76ers, 103-87, and the Milwaukee Bucks, 94-85 on Friday. Tonight is the first game of a five game roadtrip for the Magic. They continue on the road to face the Bucks tomorrow, the New Jersey Nets on Wednesday, the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday, and the Washington Wizards after the All-Star break.

Miami is 12-2 at home, Orlando has an 8-5 road record.

The teams last faced each other on February 8th in Miami. Dwight Howard had a monster game, scoring 25 points and grabbing 24 rebounds. Ryan Anderson scored 27 with 11 boards. The Magic combined to go a collective 17-of-42 on three-pointers. Dwyane Wade led all scorers for Miami, with 33 points. LeBron James pitched in 17 with 10 assists and six rebounds. Miami coach Erik Spoelstra spoke about Orlando's three-crazy night,

"Obviously the amount of 3s they were able to take and make really made the difference in the game."

Miami vs Orlando NBA Highlights 02/08/2012 (via bballfansite)

Miami beat the Cavaliers on the road on Friday night, 111-87. LeBron James scored a game high 28 with five points and five assists. Dwyane Wade added 22, including his first three pointer of the season, along with six assists. Chris Bosh scored 16 with a game high 12 rebounds. Overall, the Heat hit 14-of-21 three-pointers on the night. Kyrie Irving led four Cavs in double figures with 17. LBJ spoke about returning to Cleveland after the game,

"It's always special coming back here. I know these fans, they know me. They know how competitive I am. I just try and lead my team to victory every night. It's definitely special every time I come back here."

Miami Heat Vs Cleveland Cavaliers 2/17/12 NBA Highlights HD (via nbahighlights9999)

The Magic beat the Bucks on Friday night in Orlando, 94-85 behind another big Dwight Howard performance. The center scored 26 with 20 boards, while Ryan Anderson pitched in 23 with nine rebounds, and Hedo Turkoglu knocked down 14 with seven dimes. Carlos Delfino led the Bucks with 16 points, while Ersan Ilyasova scored 14 with 10 rebounds in the losing effort. Brandon Jennings took a lot of the blame on his own shoulders after the game,

"I felt like I let my teammates down tonight. I was not able to contribute down the stretch. I had some great looks and they just didn't go in tonight."

Orlando Magic Vs Milwaukee Bucks 2/17/12 NBA Highlights HD (via nbahighlights9999)

Standings

Miami: 24-7, first in the Southeast Division, first in the Eastern Conference, first in the NBA, on pace for 51-15. Last five: W-W-W-W-W

Orlando: 20-11, second in the Southeast Division, tied for third in the Eastern Conference, tied for sixth in the NBA, on pace for 43-23. Last five: L-W-W-W-W

Season series: Magic, 1-0

All-time series: Miami, 45-43

GameTime: 3:30 ET