Heat Open Preseason Home Test With a Rebuilt Core and Open Questions

Miami's Giannis-led makeover gets another preseason look against New Orleans.

NOP @ MIA Oct 8, 2026 at 11:30 PM UTC

Preseason results rarely matter, but this one gives Miami another look at a roster that barely resembles last year's. The Heat missed the playoffs for the first time in seven seasons and haven't won a series in three, so even October carries some urgency. They responded by rebuilding around Giannis Antetokounmpo and adding six newcomers, including Bobby Portis, Klay Thompson and Tim Hardaway Jr.

The expected starting five of Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo, Thompson, Davion Mitchell and Andrew Wiggins frames the main tactical question. Antetokounmpo and Adebayo are both at their best in the paint, so Erik Spoelstra has to find lineups that keep the floor spaced around them. Thompson's presence on the perimeter should help, and Antetokounmpo's debut was an encouraging early sign: five points, 2-for-2 shooting and four assists in seven minutes while the Heat built a 20-12 lead. That's a small sample, but it suggests the starters can function together quickly.

Depth is less settled. Miami still has an open roster spot, still needs a guard, and doesn't appear close to signing anyone. That could leave the back end of the rotation uneven, and preseason minutes for reserves often swing games once the starters sit. It's the most plausible way New Orleans stays close.

Still, I'll trust Miami's more defined top group and the extra reps the starters have already had together. Expect the Heat to build an early edge through Antetokounmpo's playmaking, then hold on as the benches take over and the game gets looser.

Prediction: Heat 112, Pelicans 105.

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