Miami Heat: Key dates & games for the 2019-20 regular season

The NBA released the full schedules for every team on Monday, meaning the season is close. Here are a few key dates and games for the Miami Heat.

With the 2019-20 NBA schedule officially being released, it’s time for Miami Heat fans to jot down some key dates in their fandom calendar. Take a look at the full schedule below, via @MiamiHEAT:

https://twitter.com/MiamiHEAT/status/1160991527419752450

Opening Night

Miami will open up the season at home for the first time since 2015, with a match-up against Memphis and no.2 overall pick, Ja Morant, on October 23rd. 

Zion Watch

If you’re a fan of the star-studded rookie phenom, Zion Williamson,  the New Orleans Pelicans make their lone trip of the season to South Beach on November 16th. 

Jimmy Butler’s return to Philadelphia

Jimmy Butler is one of many superstar players that will be making a reunion visit with their former employer. Miami will travel to Philly on November 23rd.  How will Sixer fans receive Butler?

Josh Richardson returns to South Beach

After being an essential piece of the trade that landed Jimmy Butler in Miami, Heat fans were forced to say farewell to fan-favorite, Josh Richardson, who was shipped to Philly. Richardson will make his return to Miami on December 28th.

Hassan Whiteside brings his shooters  to the AAA

Hassan Whiteside didn’t have the on-court glory that his bank account portrayed, and the fans of the Miami Heat let the franchise know of their distaste for the big man. Whiteside seemingly fell out of the rotation last season and was traded to Portland this off-season. His shooters will travel to Miami on January 5th.

After learning of his trade, Whiteside took a subtle shot at his former team while praising his new teammates in a video posted to his Instagram, via @AndySlater:

Udonis Haslem last game (possibly)

Long-time Miami Heat captain Udonis Haslem signed a one-year deal with the team this off-season, suiting up for the 17th consecutive season in Heat colors. Many speculate that April 14th may be his final career regular-season game, a home matchup against the Toronto Raptors. Here’s what Haslem had to say about retirement in an interview with Sun-Sentinel’s, Ira Winderman:

"“If they send me out the right way, you don’t have to worry about me no more. But if they don’t take care of business, then I might be back again answering the same question again next year, ‘Is this your last dance?’ So it’s up to the guys.”"

While there are certainly a ton of other great matchups and dates to be aware of, these are a few that immediately jump out. With the Miami Heat’s new look, it should be a very fun and interesting season.