The knockout rounds of the 2025 NBA Cup started on Tuesday, Dec. 9 when the Miami Heat faced the Orlando Magic in an East quarterfinal game.

The 14-11 Miami Heat, having lost four games in a row and five of their last six, and their fans might not have quite the same rose-colored lenses from earlier

Miami Heat “tricked people” into believing their offense was elite as trade buzz swirls and the team navigates a shaky 14-10 start.

Missing him in the loss to the Kings was noticeable due to groin tightness, with the team looking for energy in the second game of the back-to-back. Pelle Larsson is also probable for the Magic game, having missed the last game due to a hip injury, as Dru Smith wouldn't practice Monday and is “questionable” for Tuesday with a “left hip contusion.”

Five takeaways from the Miami Heat’s 117-108 loss to the Orlando Magic (15-10) on Tuesday night at Kia Center in an NBA Cup quarterfinal game to drop its fourth straight game. The Heat (14-11) is now eliminated from the in-season tournament:

Desmond Bane matched his season high with 37 points and the Orlando Magic reached the semifinals of the NBA Cup with a 117-108 win over the Miami Heat.

Recent reports indicate that the Miami Heat are involved in discussions regarding Terry Rozier, which could determine his future.

Pat Riley was close for trading for Iverson, but Wade vetoed the deal when he discovered the Heat would have to give up Udonis Haslem.