Southeast Rivalry Goes Global: Heat vs. Magic in Puerto Rico
The Miami Heat are set to take their preseason overseas with a highly anticipated NBA game against the Orlando Magic on October 4th, 2025, at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Marking the first NBA preseason game in Puerto Rico since 2006. This marks the first preseason game in Puerto Rico that the Miami Heat will play. The move highlights the league's continued effort to expand its global footprint and to connect with different basketball communities around the world outside of the United States. For Puerto Rico, this game is more than a sporting event. It's an opportunity to celebrate basketball, culture, inspiration, community, passion, and history, while showcasing Puerto Rico as a key stop in the NBA’s international outreach.
On the court, the matchup brings together two Florida rivals with similar storylines. The Heat, led by Bam Adebayo, are adjusting to life beyond Jimmy Butler while adding new additions such as Davion Mitchell and Andrew Wiggins, but the biggest question is how the team will adapt to life without their all-star point guard, Tyler Herro, who will be sidelined following recent ankle surgery. Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic are looking to build momentum with a mix of young talent and veteran players. Including their highly anticipated acquisition of Desmond Bane, who brings sharpshooting and leadership to a developing team. This game will give Magic fans their first live look at how Bane fits into Orlando’s system and how he will interact with Orlando’s emerging players, providing insight into future lineups and potential breakout stars for the upcoming season.
Fans can expect the game to be competitive, as both teams will test different lineups to develop chemistry and highlight each team's emerging stars and potential breakout players. With the Heat’s defensive reputation and the Magic’s young talent, this Puerto Rico game promises to deliver high-energy basketball. Beyond the competition, it offers a valuable preview about how both teams are shaping their rosters. With new acquisitions like Wiggins, Mitchell, and Bane are integrating, and which players might emerge as key contributors when the 2025-2026 NBA season officially begins.
