Alright, so what Eastern Conference opponent are you most excited for the team to face off against and why?
Rahming: I’m most excited to see the Heat matchup against the Eastern Conference’s number one team, the Raptors. These two teams fought it out over three very close games, and the Heat came out with the season series victory (2-1). By the time they played their first matchup last season, Dion Waiters was already shut down for the year, so the battles this year are really just to answer this question: who’s more beneficial to their team, Waiters or Leonard? That is something I’d clear my schedule to witness. If the Heat lose, its because they were supposed to. But if they win, they get the clout they deserve, and the drama cloud surrounding Leonard/the Raptors grows in fervor.
Keaton: If I had to focus on just one team, it’d be the Bucks for me. I think Giannis Antetokounmpo is the best player in the Eastern Conference and therefore is always must see for me. I also like Khris Middleton and Eric Bledsoe as well.
Gewirtz: I am most excited to see the Heat face off against the Raptors, simply because of the uncertainty of that team. With the DeMarDeRozan and Leonard trade, the Raptors will be different than what we are used to seeing. While the outcome is somewhat ambiguous, it will no doubt be a good challenge for the Heat.
Ebrahim: I’m definitely excited to watch the Heat face off against the Celtics and 76ers. Not only are they two of the best teams in the conference right now, but it’ll give the team a gauge of what to expect over the next few years, since they’re also the future of the East. Jayson Tatum, Ben Simmons, and Joel Embiid will be running the conference and any chance to see if Josh Richardson and Bam Adebayo can join them, is a good time. It doesn’t hurt either that Kyrie Irving is a free agent and at one time stated that Miami would be a preferred destination. So beating up the Celtics would be a great step to at least getting a meeting with the guy next offseason.