The first NBA Cup quarterfinal sees two Southeast Division foes do battle as the Orlando Magic take on the Miami Heat.
These two just played four days ago the with the Magic pulling out a thrilling 106-105 win and I’m expecting another close battle that is ripe with NBA player props.
My Heat vs. Magic props, highlights opportunities created by what should be a high pace of play.
And for even more NBA picks for this NBA Cup quarterfinal, check out our Heat vs. Magic predictions.
Best Heat vs Magic props
| Player | Pick |  |
|---|---|---|
 Anthony Black |
Over 5.5 rebounds | +125 |
 Norman Powell |
Over 20.5 points | -130 |
| Jalen Suggs |
Over 2.5 threes | +100 |
Prop #1: Anthony Black Over 5.5 rebounds
Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black sure has been playing like a big man lately, crashing the boards and racking up rebounds. And I love him to keep that going in this NBA Cup quarterfinals matchup against the Miami Heat.
Black has averaged a crazy good 8.8 rebounds over the last four games, hauling down seven or more boards in all four. And he should keep crashing the boards here.
The Heat have been a fun team this season, which plays small and fast. They lead the NBA in pace, resulting in the most field goal attempts per game. But playing small also means they can get killed on the glass. Which has happened a lot this season.
Miami enters this game ranked 23rd in rebounding rate and dead last in opponent rebounds per game.
Black has a rebounding Over/Under set at 5.5 and with the Over priced at +125 it’s too tempting to pass up.
Not to mention, he grabbed eight boards in the most recent meeting against the Heat just four days ago.
Prop #2: Norman Powell Over 20.5 points
I will still never understand why the Los Angeles Clippers traded away Norman Powell. But their loss is the Heat’s gain because Powell is thriving in Erik Spoelstra’s system.
Powell enters this NBA Cup quarterfinals matchup against the Heat averaging a career-high 24.8 points per game while shooting a crazy good 44.5% from three-point range.
Powell is also in a great shooting rhythm, putting up 26 points per game while shooting 46.4% from deep over his last four games. That includes going 9-for-18 from the floor for 28 points in last Saturday's matchup against this same Magic team.
Yes, the Magic are a strong defensive team, but Powell has proven capable in almost every matchup this season. Yet, his point total prop for this matchup is sitting at a modest 20.5.
Powell has gone Over this number in 14 of his 19 games played this season, including three of the last four overall. With the Magic also ranking in the top third of the NBA in pace, there should be the added possessions needed for Powell to get Over this number once again.
Prop #3: Jalen Suggs Over 2.5 threes
The Heat are also a strong defensive team, but a hot shooter can definitely get some opportunities to put up points against them.
Miami surrenders the most opponent 3-point attempts per game this season, and Magic guard Jalen Suggs has been getting up shots, particularly with Franz Wagner dealing with an ankle sprain.
Suggs is averaging 7.5 attempted threes per game over his last eight games, and while he isn’t shooting the greatest percentage, he’s still making 2.4 threes per game over that stretch, and this is a matter of opportunity.
Not only will this game have an elevated pace, Suggs will likely have a long run trying to defend the likes of Powell and Tyler Herro.
Not to mention, Suggs has drained three or more threes in two of his last three games, including the recent meeting against the Heat, going 4-for-7 from beyond the arc.
At even money, backing Suggs to hit another three treys looks like a great value in this NBA Cup quarterfinal.
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