After a very short offseason and a much shorter preseason, the Miami Heat start their 2020-21 season on the road against the Orlando Magic. After a bitter loss to the Los Angeles Lakers last season in the NBA Finals, Miami will have a fresh start as they build momentum. Despite the Heat improving individually and as a unit, the road to the finals got even harder. Boston’s core of Tatum, Walker, and Brown is a problem, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving instantly make Brooklyn ECF favorites, Philly has made managerial changes and Toronto always put together good performances in the regular season.
Fortunately for the Heat, they are big favorites to beating the Orlando Magic and starting the season 1-0. Expect to see plenty of the first-round pick Precious Achiuwa. The rookie has reportedly been making great strides since draft day and his skill set will translate well against Orlando’s athletic big men. It will be exciting to see how Achiuwa blends in with Butler, Adebayo, Herro, and Dragic. It will also be interesting to see how head coach Erik Spoelstra utilize him throughout the game.
As far as injuries go, guard Gabe Vincent is listed as day-to-day with a knee injury whereas Orlando has a plethora of injuries. Johnathon Isaac, Al-Farouq Aminu is listed as out while Mo Bamba and former Heat player James Enniss III are listed as day-to-day. The addition of Avery Bradley is vital as the Heat will need perimeter defense to help keep rookie Cole Anthony, Markelle Fultz, and Evan Fournier in check.
The Heat kick off their season on Wednesday with tip-off at 7 pm at the Amway Center.
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