Ranking the Heat's 5 most important national TV games this season

The 2024-25 NBA schedule is finally here, and Miami Heat fans can start marking their calendars. However, there's been a noticeable drop in nationally televised games for the Heat this season. After enjoying 16 prime-time slots last year, the Heat have only been given seven this time around—a surprising decrease that has fans and analysts talking.

Last season was definitely disappointing and had some unbearable woes, but nearly ten games cut off is a huge size. With only seven, surely they gave them games that count, so let's rank the top five most important televised games going into this upcoming season.

5. Heat at Lakers, Jan. 15

While it’s a mid-season game with not much at stake, facing LeBron James is always a challenge, and the Heat can expect him to be at his best. A win here could be a significant boost for Miami as they can start to build momentum heading into the All-Star break.

Mid-season lulls can be brutal, and the Heat have been known to hit these rough patches, sometimes falling back into old habits. But a game like this against the Lakers offers a prime opportunity to snap out of any slump.

It’s also important to note that this game marks the sixth and final stop of a week-and-a-half road trip before the Heat head back home. Ending a long road trip with a win is always satisfying, especially when it’s in the King’s house.