The Miami Heat are building strong momentum in the NBA preseason, posting a 2-1 record while handling a series of player absences. Their latest outing was a narrow 124-125 preseason loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 10, 2026, but the team had previously secured convincing wins over the New Orleans Pelicans and Toronto Raptors. This early success highlights the roster's depth and resilience as the regular season approaches.
Miami opened its preseason schedule with a dominant 129-105 victory over the Toronto Raptors on October 3. They followed that up with another strong offensive showing, beating the New Orleans Pelicans 128-118 on October 8. The recent 124-125 loss to Minnesota was a tight contest that went down to the wire. Even with the defeat, the Heat's preseason offense has been potent, averaging over 125 points per game. This scoring punch is a positive sign for a team integrating new pieces and testing rotations.
Several Heat players have missed time due to various ailments. Guard Dru Smith has been sidelined for weeks with a right calf strain, and his return timeline remains uncertain. Rookie forward Keshad Johnson, signed to a two-way contract, is out with a strained right hamstring and missed practice earlier in the week. Recently signed guard Pelle Larsson was absent for the Pelicans game due to an illness but is expected back soon.
Forward Andrew Wiggins also dealt with an unreported illness earlier this week, causing him to miss some practice sessions. But he recovered quickly and played in the October 8 game against New Orleans, showing no signs of slowing down. The team's ability to win without these contributors speaks volumes about their preparation and the next-man-up mentality coach Erik Spoelstra instills.
The Heat's immediate focus is their final preseason matchup, a home game against the Brooklyn Nets on October 14, 2026. This contest serves as one last tune-up before the regular season tips off. It's a final chance for players on the roster bubble to make an impression and for the coaching staff to solidify rotations. Fans can track the team's upcoming schedule on our schedule page.
Managing these preseason injuries will be important for Miami's early-season consistency. Getting Larsson back from illness is a near-term priority, while the recoveries of Smith and Johnson will be monitored closely. The preseason results, including the tough loss to Minnesota, provide valuable film. They show what works offensively and what needs tightening on defense before games start to count in the standings.
