Floridians love their basketball, and the Sunshine State has been host to NBA teams for over 25 years. November is the first full month of the NBA season, so it’s time for us to get our jerseys out and cheer on our teams. The Miami Heat has won the Eastern Conference championship the past four years, winning the NBA Finals two of those years. The Orlando Magic has made it to the Eastern Conference title game as recently as 2010. Both of these teams have high hopes as they set their sights on June and the Finals. Here’s what you need to know about these teams, where they play, and how to see them in person.
Miami Heat
LeBron James may have packed his bags and returned to Cleveland at the end of last season, but the Heat is doing just fine without him. Returning this season are veterans Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade, both huge assets to the team. Luol Deng and Shawne Williams, formerly of the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers, respectively, started their first seasons on the Heat roster. Shabazz Napier, formerly of the NCAA champion University of Connecticut Huskies, debuted with the team after being picked in the first round of the NBA Draft.
Upcoming Games! The next few games for the Miami Heat at home at the AmericanAirlines Arena are on November 23, November 25, and December 3. The November 23 game has the Heat taking on the Charlotte Hornets. On November 25, the Heat play the Golden State Warriors. The Atlanta Hawks come down to Miami and play the Heat on December 3.
Tickets and Venue: The Miami Heat plays their home games at the beautiful AmericanAirlines Arena (601 Biscayne Blvd., Miami), located right on Biscayne Bay. Ticket prices start at $15 for the November 23 game and $20 for the November 25 and December 3 games. Center court front-row seats go for $340 per ticket. Want some class and elegance with your game? Dewar’s offers rail seating in their clubhouse, located right above the North 100 Level. Dine in posh surroundings and view the game from north court! Dewar’s Rail tickets start from $70. For more premium seating options, visit nba.com/heat/premium-seating.
Orlando Magic
The Magic is mixing it up with a roster of returning talent and new acquisitions. Aaron Gordon, a power forward who played at the University of Arizona, was their first-round draft pick this year, and he debuted strong in his first pro game, against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Point guard Elfrid Payton also turns pro this year after playing for three years at the University of Louisiana Lafayette. Tobias Harris and Nikola Vucevic return for another full season in Orlando, while Channing Frye transfer in from Phoenix and Evan Fournier starts in Orlando after having spent the last two years in Denver.
Upcoming Games! Home games for the Magic at the Amway Center include a Conference match-up with none other than the Miami Heat! That game will be played on November 22. Other upcoming games include the Magic taking on the Golden State Warriors on November 26, and the Magic playing the Washington Wizards on December 10.
Tickets and Venue: The Orlando Magic plays their home games at the state-of-the-art Amway Center (400 W. Church St., #200), right in downtown Orlando. Tickets range in price from $22 for upper-level seating to $222.50 for courtside options. In addition, there are also many luxury options, such as the Presidents Suite. Relax in an oversized leather chair and watch the game just seventeen rows up from the court. This suite includes VIP parking and all-inclusive food and beverage. This experience starts at $85 per person. For other options, including the Chase Suite and the MVP Tables, visit nba.com/magic/premium-seating.
For more information on your Florida NBA teams, visit nba.com/heat or nba.com/magic.
