The Heat played against the Magic on Sunday like it could skip right to its regular-season opener on Christmas Day in Dallas.

The rout gave the team a chance to observe the potential in a few of its younger players who could earn a place in the team’s rotation and provide much-needed depth at key positions.

“I won’t exaggerate what we did; we’re still trying to get better,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “It’s the preseason, continue to move forward and not let it affect our work ethic. Guys are still focused [Monday], and we were still able to get something accomplished.”

Although Magic center Dwight Howard did not play well, which might be attributed to his uncertain future with the team, Heat backup center Dexter Pittman looked good when given the opportunity to match up with one of the league’s best.

With Eddy Curry out of the lineup while recovering from a nagging hip flexor injury (and still unable to practice Monday) and starting center Joel Anthony in foul trouble, Pittman got extended minutes Sunday night.

Pittman finished with six points and three rebounds in 13 minutes and made all three of his shots.

Pittman, a 6-11 second-year pro from the University of Texas who is listed as 308 pounds, challenged Howard under the basket on one play.

Seizing his chance

Pittman, who appeared in only two games and had a total of three rebounds and two points in 11 minutes last season, seized the opportunity.

“You always dream of moments like that, and when you get your number called you make the most of it,” Pittman said.

“It’s no secret what I need to do. I need to keep getting in top shape. I’m trying to shed pounds and put on more muscle.”

Curry and forward Shane Battier (quad strain), who didn’t practice Monday either, don’t appear likely to play in the Heat’s final preseason game Wednesday in Orlando. Meanwhile, Spoelstra said he would continue to give Pittman a chance to contribute.

“[Pittman] brings something different with his physicality and aggressiveness,” Spoelstra said. “Aside from being a big body in the middle, he has soft hands and quick feet. He’s continuing to get a better understanding of what we need him to do.”

Anthony, a player who had to earn his role on the team four years ago by impressing coaches in the preseason, said he has seen similar strides from Pittman. Anthony picked up four fouls and played less than seven minutes Sunday night.

“[Sunday] you were able to see some of those things he can do, and to go up against one of the best big men in the league, that’s the type of experience that’s only going to help his confidence,” Anthony said. “It was great to see him have that type of mentality as a young player because he’s going to see tough players like that every night.”

Harris impressive

Rookie guard Terrel Harris caught the eye of Heat fans with an impressive shooting performance.

Harris finished with 16 points and made 4 of 5 shots from three-point range. He also took a charge on defense, which is what really impressed Spoelstra.

Harris is competing for one of the final two roster spots.

Spoelstra said he was impressed by Harris because he did “more things that didn’t have to do with shooting.”

“It’s always great to have a surprise in camp,” Spoelstra said. “It reminds me of the way Joel Anthony was when he started. We all had him penciled in as the first cut before training camp that year. But he made a lasting impression and four years later, he’s got a guaranteed contract and he’s a big part of what we do.”