Heat hope for bounce-back season ahead of opener vs. rising Magic
Tue Oct 22 6:10pm ET
Field Level Media
Despite making the NBA Finals two seasons ago, the Miami Heat are expected by some to have a down year in 2024-25. ESPN, for example, ranked Miami 18th out of 30 teams in its season preview on Monday.
The Heat will aim to invalidate those dull expectations this season, which begins on Wednesday against the visiting Orlando Magic.
This season marks the 35-year anniversary of the first game between the two Florida rivals. Orlando won the first all-time meeting in November 1989, but Miami leads the all-time series 82-61. The Heat won three of four meetings last season.
Miami may not be viewed as favorably entering the season because of the team's lack of major offseason acquisitions following its first-round exit in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
The Heat lost forward Caleb Martin in free agency, signed reserve guard Alec Burks and drafted center Kel'el Ware in the first round.
However, Miami did retain star center Bam Adebayo via a three-year extension and welcomed back veteran forward Kevin Love on a two-year deal.
The Heat also have a two-time champion coach in Erik Spoelstra and a trio of stars in Adebayo, forward Jimmy Butler and guard Tyler Herro.
Butler and Herro are aiming to rebound from injury-shortened campaigns, while Adebayo is presumably entering the prime of his career at age 27.
Love and veteran guard Terry Rozier are the other possible starters. Miami will also rely on 3-point threat Duncan Robinson, defensive specialist Haywood Highsmith and blossoming second-year guard Jaime Jaquez Jr.
With a solid cast of contributors, many of whom were on the 2023 Finals squad, Heat president Pat Riley expects urgency from his players this season.
"They should know that this is a crucial year for them," Riley said.
There seems to be less pressure on Orlando, which is coming off a 47-win campaign, its best mark since winning 52 games in 2010-11.
Jamahl Mosley enters his fourth season as coach, having guided the Magic to a higher win total in each of his first three years.
Orlando went 21-51 in the abbreviated 2020-21 season before stringing together 22 wins in Mosley's rookie campaign, then posted 34 victories in 2022-23 before last year's 47-win finish.
The Magic are equipped with a stirring duo of young forwards: Paolo Banchero, 21, who was a first-time All-Star last season, and 23-year-old Franz Wagner.
Orlando's youth extends to the backcourt. Jalen Suggs, 23, averaged 12.6 points last season and made the NBA's All-Defensive Second Team.
Banchero (22.6 points per game), Wagner (19.7 points) and Suggs were the Magic's top three scorers last season and were the team's only three players with at least 72 starts.
Orlando addressed a critical weakness in the offseason. The Magic were tied for the fewest made 3-pointers per game (11.0) and finished tied for the eight-lowest shooting percentage from distance (35.2 percent) a year ago.
Magic president Jeff Weltman signed veteran shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a career 36.9 percent 3-point shooter who hit 40.6 percent of his shots from deep last season. Caldwell-Pope, 31 also won an NBA title with Denver in 2023.
"He brings a championship pedigree," Weltman said of Caldwell-Pope, who signed a three-year, $66-million contract in July. "He provides a lot of the things we need."
Besides Pope, the Magic have extended the contracts of several of their standouts: Wagner (five years, $224 million); Suggs (five years, $150.5 million); forward Jonathan Isaac (five years, $84 million); and center Wendell Carter Jr. (three years, $59 million).
- Four-time All-Star Paul Millsap officially retires
- Return on hold for Lakers F Jarred Vanderbilt
- NBA roundup: Wolves limit Lakers to 80 points
- Hornets star LaMelo Ball (calf) out at least two weeks
- Lakers C Jaxson Hayes (ankle) out 2-3 weeks
- Nuggets' Russell Westbrook fined $35K for obscene gesture
- NBA roundup: Rockets edge Thunder in battle of top 2 West teams
- NBA roundup: Giannis Antetokounmpo's triple-double lifts Bucks to 6th straight win
- NBA roundup: Anthony Edwards, Wolves edge Clippers
- NBA roundup: Hawks send Cavs to first home loss
- NBA roundup: Damian Lillard hoists banged-up Bucks over Heat
- NBA roundup: Kristaps Porzingis returns as Celtics club Clippers
- Suns expect Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal to play vs. Lakers
- G Ja Morant set to return Monday for Grizzlies
- Rockets G Fred VanVleet fined $50K for late-game outburst
- Pelicans G Dejounte Murray to return Wednesday
- Kristaps Porzingis to make season debut Monday
- NBA roundup: Heat turn back Mavericks in OT
- Hornets F Grant Williams (knee) out for season
- NBA roundup: LaMelo Ball scores 50 in Hornets' loss to Bucks
According to Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse, center Joel Embiid (knee, personal) is not expected to play in Wednesday's game against the Orlando Magic. At this point, fantasy managers are left scratching their heads regarding his availability. For now, it appears the 30-year-old is in line to miss his 14th game of the 2024-25 campaign. With uncertainty surrounding the health of Andre Drummond (ankle), Guerschon Yabusele, who had nine points with 12 boards, one steal, and one block in Tuesday's NBA Cup win over the Hornets, could remain in the starting lineup.
According to Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse, forward Paul George may miss Wednesday's game against the Orlando Magic. The veteran had 29 points in Tuesday's NBA Cup victory over the Charlotte Hornets. He also logged 37 minutes, so the team may play it safe by sitting him in the second game of a back-to-back. With Joel Embiid (knee, personal) likely to remain off the floor, Tyrese Maxey could receive significantly more scoring opportunities. Jared McCain may also move back to the starting lineup and should also see an uptick in fantasy production.
San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan (thumb) is set to make his return Tuesday against the Phoenix Suns after missing the team's last 13 games recovering from left thumb surgery. He is expected to come off the bench and may see limited minutes as he eases back into action. In seven appearances this season, Sochan has been a valuable contributor, averaging 15.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and shooting 51.2% from the field over 29.3 minutes per game. His presence and athleticism will be a welcome boost for the Spurs, and fantasy managers will be eager to see if he can maintain his efficiency following his return.
Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson (ankle) is questionable for Wednesday's matchup against the Indiana Pacers due to a left ankle sprain. If Johnson is unable to suit up, Tyrese Martin could see an increased role and potentially draw another start. Johnson has been an important contributor for the Nets, averaging 18.1 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. In his most recent outing against Orlando, he delivered an impressive 26 points in 36 minutes. Fantasy managers will want to monitor his status, as a return would provide a significant boost to their lineups.
Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Indiana Pacers as he deals with a sprained left ankle. The 31-year-old is at risk of missing his fourth consecutive game. Finney-Smith has been a key rotational piece for Brooklyn this season, averaging 29 minutes and 10.7 points per game. If he is ruled out, Jalen Wilson is expected to remain in the starting lineup. Fantasy managers will want to check on his status closer to tip-off on Wednesday.
Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons (back) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's matchup against the Indiana Pacers, but reports indicate he is expected to play. Simmons sat out Monday's game against the Bulls for back injury management, but the team seems hopeful about his availability. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on his status ahead of tip-off. In his most recent appearance against the Orlando Magic, the veteran guard logged 12 minutes, dishing out five assists but going scoreless.
Brooklyn Nets forward Ziaire Williams (knee) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Indiana Pacers. The 23-year-old will miss his second consecutive game after sustaining a knee injury during Sunday's matchup with the Magic. Williams has been a reliable rotational piece for the Nets this season, averaging 21.8 minutes and 8.6 points per game. Tyrese Martin may see an increase in playing time as a result. Williams' next opportunity to return will be Sunday against the Bucks.
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (Achilles) is listed as probable for Wednesday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks due to right Achilles tendinitis. The All-Star point guard has been a standout playmaker this season, leading the league with 12.2 assists per game while also contributing 20.9 points per contest. Young continues to stuff the stat sheet, including an impressive 15-assist performance in Monday's game against the Pelicans. If he takes the court as expected, fantasy managers can count on his elite production.
Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (knee) is set to play Tuesday against the Toronto Raptors, marking his second game back after a 12-game absence due to left patellofemoral inflammation. The 24-year-old made a solid impact in his return, scoring 14 points in just 15 minutes, though he could still face a minutes restriction as he works his way back to full fitness. Normally logging around 25 minutes per game, Nembhard is expected to rejoin the starting lineup and provide a boost for the Pacers.
Los Angeles Lakers forward/centerAnthony Davis(foot) is listed as probable for Wednesday's matchup against the Miami Heat. Davis, as usual, is expected to play through his foot issues. He's suited up for 20 of 21 games so far this season, averaging 27.8 points and 11.5 rebounds. However, he has failed to reach the 20-point mark in four of the last six contests.
Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall (illness) will miss Tuesday's matchup versus the Trail Blazers, marking his second-straight absence. The former Pelican had been starting, mostly while Klay Thompson (foot) sat on the shelf. He has played well in such opportunities, averaging 13.1 points and 4.0 rebounds. But with Thompson returning for this one, Marshall's ceiling would have dropped significantly, although his absence will continue to keep Spencer Dinwiddie involved.
Dallas Mavericks forward Klay Thompson (foot) will play on Tuesday night versus Memphis after missing the last four games because of plantar fasciitis in his left foot. The former Golden State Warrior has struggled to find his footing in his first season with the Mavs, averaging 13.2 points, the second-lowest of his career. He'll likely bounce back at some point. But fantasy managers should lower their expectations for at least a game or two, especially since Thompson is coming off a four-game layoff. With Naji Marshall (illness) out, Spencer Dinwiddie, coming off a 20-point showing in Sunday's win over the Portland Trail Blazers, is still worth considering for fantasy lineups.
Philadelphia 76ers forward Caleb Martin (back) is available ahead of Tuesday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. Martin is back in the mix following a two-game absence due to back soreness. He'll head to the bench with Kenyon Martin Jr. getting the starting nod on Tuesday. Martin is coming off a 19-point game across 27 minutes during his last game. He figures to lose some minutes here, but could still be worth a look as a low-end streaming option.
Los Angeles Lakers guardAustin Reaves(pelvis) is listed as questionable and could miss his third consecutive contest on Tuesday due to a left pelvic contusion. If the 26-year-old is unable to suit up against the Heat, D'Angelo Russell will likely be in the starting five after he 20 points, three rebounds, five assists, and one steal across 34 minutes during Monday's 109-80 loss to the Timberwolves.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (ankle) will make his return to the court for Tuesday's game against the Washington Wizards. Wade is back in the mix following a six-game absence due to a left ankle sprain. His return won't mean too much with the Cavs mostly healthy at the forward spot. Wade figures to resume his role playing in the teens, which doesn't result in much fantasy value. Isaac Okoro and Georges Niang are likely to see a few less minutes with Wade returning.
Philadelphia 76ers guards Kyle Lowry (hip) and Reggie Jackson (knee) are both available ahead of Tuesday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. Lowry will make his return to the court after missing each of the last five games due to a hip strain. The veteran guard is averaging 24 minutes per game, but also had two scoreless outings in two of his last three games. That being said, Lowry isn't too appealing of a streaming option right now. As for Jackson, he'll likely return to his bench role which is normally only minutes in the teens, which won't be enough to give viable streaming value.
Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (foot) will make his season debut against the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday. This will be the first time that Williams has played since December of 2023. Fantasy managers should expect Williams to be under heavy minute restriction. He figures to be eased into action for quite some time, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect Williams to be a great fantasy option right away. He figures to split up the center minutes with Nick Richards. For now, Richards is the better streaming option, but Williams should be a strong option once he's back up to full speed.
Utah Jazz forward/centerMicah Potter (illness) has been downgraded to doubtful for Tuesday's matchup with the Thunder. The Jazz have been shorthanded lately, so Potter has played for at least 13 minutes in three consecutive contests. With the 26-year-old likely sidelined, players like Drew Eubanks, Brice Sensabaugh, and Svi Mykhailiuk could potentially see more playing time. However, they will not be factors in fantasy during Tuesday's contest.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome (illness) has been ruled out ahead of Tuesday's game against the Washington Wizards. Jerome will head to the sideline for the first time this season. His absence will free up additional playing time behind Darius Garland. This should result in more playing time for Craig Porter Jr. and possibily Caris LeVert sees more minutes as well. LeVert is already averaging 24 minutes per game, so a few more minutes should give him an uptick in fantasy value for Tuesday's slate.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) is available ahead of Tuesday's game against the Detroit Pistons. As expected, Antetokounmpo will play after being listed as probable on the injury report. The expectation is that Antetokounmpo will have a normal workload in this game. Antetokounmpo has been battling through tendinitis in his knee throughout the season. Despite that, he continues to suit up and play at an elite level. Fantasy managers can feel safe getting Antetokounmpo back in their lineups on Tuesday.
