Orlando Magic to start Victor Oladipo Wednesday

Nov 8, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic head coach Jacque Vaughn talks with shooting guard Victor Oladipo (5) during a timeout as the Boston Celtics beat the Orlando Magic 91-89 at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports /

Orlando Magic rookie guard Victor Oladipo will make his first career start when the Magic host the two-time defending world champion Miami Heat Wednesday night.

Because the Heat start Shane Battier at power forward, Magic head coach Jacque Vaughn will use this as an opportunity to start a small ball lineup of his own. Oladipo will start at shooting guard alongside veteran point guard Jameer Nelson. Arron Afflalo, the team’s usual two-guard will move to small forward and the team’s normal starting small forward, Maurice Harkless, will move to power forward. Nikola Vucevic will remain at his normal position as the center while Orlando’s normal starting power forward, Jason Maxiell, will come off of the bench.

“What an incredible motor,” Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said when asked about Oladipo.

Oladipo, the #2 overall pick of the 2013 draft, has been productive for the Magic thus far. The former Indiana Hoosier is averaging 11.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.5 steals in 25.5 minutes per game for the 4-6 Magic.

The Magic and the Heat will tip-off at 7:00 pm EST.

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