MIAMI (Sporting Alert) — The giants from Florida will on Sunday square off again this season when they meet at the Americanairlines Arena with lots of bragging rights at stake.
Miami Heat v Orlando Magic Live on ESPN and ESPN3.com | Listen Live Coverage | Live Stats and Updates
The Orlando Magic are now fully concentrating on winning the NBA title this season after leading player Dwight Howard decided to remain with the club, following a series of trade talks.
The Miami Heat held off late charge from the Philadelphia 76ers to win 84-78 on Friday, but will be hoping for a better second half performance on Sunday after the the Sixers cut down a 27 point deficit to single digits in the last quarter.
LeBron James took over in the final moments and Heat coach Erik Spoelstra will look to him to continue his good run this term. James is averaging over 27 points per game this season, in addition to 8.4 rebounds and over six assists.
He alongside Dwyane Wade (22.8) and Chris Bosh (17.9) will be called on to give support to the star forward.
Orlando Magic beat the Heat 104-98 in overtime on their home turf earlier this month and are buzzing with confidence after winning four of its last five games.
Howard, who scored 25 points in that win, is averaging 21.1 PPG and his the dangerman at both scoring and rebounding end of the court.
Miami Heat v Orlando Magic Top Performers
Point Leaders
Lebron James – (MIA) – 27.7
Dwyane Wade – (MIA) – 22.8
Dwight Howard – (ORL) – 21.1
Chris Bosh – (MIA) – 17.9
Assist Leaders
Lebron James – (MIA) – 6.6
Jameer Nelson – (ORL) – 5.5
Dwyane Wade – (MIA) – 4.9
Hedo Turkoglu – (ORL) – 4.7
Rebound Leaders
Dwight Howard – (ORL) – 15.0
Lebron James – (MIA) – 8.4
Ryan Anderson – (ORL) – 7.9
Chris Bosh – (MIA) – 7.9
