The Miami Heat get another crack at the Orlando Magic on Thursday, aiming to avenge Saturday’s stunning collapse. The Heat led by 25 points before unraveling in the fourth quarter, where they were outscored 37-8 en route to a 121-114 loss at home. Miami (15-15) bounced back with a 110-95 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Monday, with guard Tyler Herro emphasizing the team’s motivation against Orlando: “We owe them one.” The Heat have struggled with consistency this season and hover around .500. Star guard Jimmy Butler, averaging 18.5 points per game, has missed the past two contests due to illness and is uncertain to play Thursday. Reports suggest Butler may also seek a trade before the Feb. 6 deadline,

The Los Angeles Rams will aim to extend their four-game winning streak and solidify their NFC West title hopes when they host the injury-plagued Arizona Cardinals on Saturday night in Inglewood, Calif. The Rams (9-6) have turned their season around, winning eight of their last 10 games after a 1-4 start. Their 19-9 victory over the New York Jets last week showcased their ability to grind out wins, even when the offense struggled early. Coach Sean McVay credited the team’s resilience in navigating through early challenges: One key to the Rams’ success has been the dominance of Kyren Williams, who has elevated the offense with his consistency on the ground. Williams rushed for 122 yards against the Jets, adding to

After a rare Christmas Day break, the Milwaukee Bucks return to action on Thursday against the Brooklyn Nets, a team currently navigating a challenging stretch. Milwaukee, riding a 6-1 streak, hopes to continue its resurgence, while Brooklyn aims to snap a skid that has seen them drop eight of their last 10 games. The Bucks (14-11) were vocal about their exclusion from the NBA’s Christmas Day slate, a decision that puzzled players like Brook Lopez and others. Despite the perceived snub, Milwaukee has used the time off to maintain focus, especially as key players have been sidelined. Milwaukee’s Monday victory against the Chicago Bulls (112-91) marked their second consecutive win without stars Giannis Antetokounmpo (back spasms, illness) and Damian Lillard

The Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets, two teams languishing at the bottom of the Southeast Division, face off Thursday night in Washington in a matchup between squads desperate for a win. Combined, the two teams have just 11 victories this season, but for one of them, Thursday could be a rare chance to change the narrative. The Hornets (7-22) are in a free fall, having lost five straight games and 13 of their last 14. Their most recent outing, a 114-101 defeat to the Houston Rockets, showcased their struggles. Charlotte managed only one 3-pointer in the first quarter and trailed 62-31 at halftime, exiting the court to boos from their home crowd. Miles Bridges led the Hornets with 24 points