The Miami Heat 24-25 Season is 25 games. These 25 games during the season will tell if the Heat can compete for a title. These games to me are psychological towards team morale. The 25 games will answer questions, i.e. “blood in the water”, that surrounds the team — Jimmy Butler is old, Terry Rozier doesn’t fit, the Heat don’t have depth. Last season against these opponents (Boston, Milwaukee, New York, Philly, Cleveland, Chicago and Indiana) the Heat went 10-15.
Heat vs. Boston
1st game — December 2nd at Boston, 4 game season series
See below for the first play the Heat need to run this season versus Boston. It is a psychological, strategic challenge. Boston used the four game season series to their advantage last season. Memorable games: Duncan Robinson versus Jalen Brown; Jayson Tatum injuring Josh Richardson; Brian Scalabrine saying Martin was targeting Tatum in Game 1.
Last but not least, the overt attempts by the Celtics to rub their title in the Heat’s face. The Celtics took a specific trip to Miami to let the Heat know they won a title. Check out my article here on the very awkward “Don’t Stop Disbelieving” ad campaign by Jayson Tatum.
Heat vs. Philly
1st game — November 18 in Miami, 4 game season series
The Heat lost an opportunity last season up 2-1 versus Philly to win the season series. Then, they went to Philly for the play-in 1st round and lost. During the offseason, the 76ers signed Paul George and Caleb Martin. Let’s not forget that Kyle Lowry was picked up off waivers by Philly and he played very well vs. the Heat.
Philly wants to kill off Miami and challenge Boston for the East every year. Philly appears to be following Heat culture by changing their training camp location to the Bahamas, as per this article here from Sportstravel.
Heat vs. Knicks
1st game — October 30 in Miami, 3 game season series
The Knicks are good again. OG Anunoby has become a catalyst for the team’s success. Isaiah Hartenstein left to Oklahoma City to be a No. 1 center so the Knicks lose rebounding. This article here on HotHotHoops previews the Knicks season. They beat Miami 2 out of 3 games last year. They killed Miami in rebounding. The Heat must show they can rebound with the best teams to stay competitive.
Heat vs. Pacers/Bucks/Cavs
1st game vs. Pacers — January 2nd in Miami, 4 game season series
1st game vs. Bucks — November 26 in Milwaukee, 4 game season series
1st game vs. Cavs — December 8 in Miami, 3 game season series
The team went .500 in 10 games against the three Central division teams. In the 10, Miami went 2-4 against Indiana and Milwaukee (oddly 3-1 versus Cleveland.) Tyrese Halliburton and the Pacers are quick and energetic. The Pacers always play Miami tough, so each game is a “measuring stick” for the season’s progress. Miami has always played terrible at Indiana.
Milwaukee is declining in strength. Hoops Rumors has a season preview of them here and it’s not good. But, Giannis and Dame are there so they must be defeated. Cleveland has Donovan Mitchell (the White Whale) which Miami has always tried to sign since he’s friends with Bam Adebayo. Check out this article here on NBA.com previewing the Cavaliers season. They bring back the same players, hoping for development.
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