Pelle Larsson seeks redemption against the Orlando Magic, aiming to leverage tactical adjustments and prove his evolving game after previous close contests and personal setbacks.
The Miami Heat have returned to South Florida after an optimistic five-game West Coast road trip, especially closing with back-to-back victories, which hasn't happened since Jan. 1st. However, business moves quickly as the team prepares to face the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night. The Heat have lost all of the previous three matchups against their in-state rival.
Pelle Larsson is looking forward to the opportunity of potentially getting a victory and maintaining winning habits.
"Just the fact that we haven't beaten them [Magic] in a while makes us very excited to play them," he told Heat RoundTable. "Now, having played them with our different offense, we know how they've reacted, and we can [adjust] to their changes."
In two of the three matchups, the games have come down to the final possessions. On Dec. 9, 2025, which was the latest meeting, Larsson suffered an ankle injury heading into halftime and missed the entire second half. Also, Desmond Bane scored 37 points, including six three-pointers made, which resulted in a final score of 117-108.
Larsson continues to have a productive season, averaging 9.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists while shooting 47.9 percent from the field, 32.1 percent from three-point range in 39 games, 26 starts. He was involved in a couple of scuffles involving All-Stars, such as Devin Booker and DeMar DeRozan. The 24-year-old clarified that those moments aren't his intentions, but rather just competing.
"I want to take advantage [of star players guarding me]," Larsson added. "They don't usually want to play defense. I try to make them work for it."
The Swedish guard has made a tremendous leap in just his second season in the league. He makes winning plays such as scoring on cuts, kickout threes, and drives at the rim. However, the expanded role and surge in production haven't protected his face.
Larsson has gotten hit multiple times throughout the season and revealed that there have been discussions about wearing a mask.
"My family has told me to wear one," he said. "I thought about it and I remember Rip Hamilton wearing it, but I don't think I got the same saw as him to pull it off."
Following the Heat's matchup against the Magic, they will face the Chicago Bulls three times in the span of four nights. Sitting with a 25-22 record, seventh in the Eastern Conference standings, the team has an opportunity to regain ground and climb out of the Play-In Tournament bracket.
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