By Dan Savage
Game Date: Oct. 7, 2015
Game Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: KFC Yum! Center - Louisville, Kentucky
TV: None
Radio: ESPN Orlando 580 AM
Matchup to Watch: Mario Hezonja vs. Justise Winslow
While the two players may not actually match up on the court, it will be intriguing to see the 2015 NBA Draft’s No. 5 and No. 10 overall selections go head-to-head.
Hezonja will look to build on strong offensive outing after going 4-for-6 from the floor on his way to nine points in just 10 minutes in Orlando’s preseason opener against the Charlotte Hornets.
Magic Head Coach Scott Skiles will certainly be focused on the rookie’s efforts on the defensive end as he looks to grasp the principles of NBA team defense.
On the other end, Winslow will certainly see plenty of action this preseason as Heat Head Coach Erik Spoelstra will likely limit the minutes of veterans Dwyane Wade and Luol Deng.
The Magic must focus on preventing Winslow from getting easy trips to the line as the former Duke standout consistently finds his way to the charity stripe.
In four games at the Orlando Pro Summer League, Winslow attempted 30 free throws. He put the same skillset on display in Miami’s preseason opener against Charlotte by notching eight foul shots.
Key Quote: “I believe that he can take that next step, kind of similar to what I did when I first came into the league. I see the talent in him, but he has to believe and he has to do it.” – Head guard Dwyane Wade on Magic guard Victor Oladipo.
Injury Update: Nikola Vucevic (shoulder) and Evan Fourier (ankle) will likely play after sitting out Saturday’s preseason contest against the Hornets.
Odds and Ends: The Magic and Heat meet for the 35th time in their preseason history. Orlando is 17-17 all-time in preseason action against Miami and 3-3 in neutral site preseason contests.