Realistic prediction of how many games the Heat will win this season

When the Miami Heat came into training camp this year, they had two main areas they wanted to improve: Offense and player availability. With the new campaign starting Wednesday night against the Orlando Magic at Kaseya Center, it looks like the players are buying into these changes. 

Coach Erik Spoelstra is trying to implement a more modern offense with a faster pace and increased 3-point volume. In all five of the preseason outings, Miami got up roughly 40 attempts from long range. The starting unit has looked quick and efficient with less hesitation when presented with an open shot.

More importantly, the Heat are healthy and players like Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro are looking forward to playing in as many games as possible. Butler appeared in four out of the five preseason outings, including the second night of a back-to-back. After not appearing in a single one the two years prior, this is a big step in the right direction from Miami’s star. 

Ultimately, the Heat cannot reach their full potential without their best players on the court. Seeing these changes in full effect have led to wins early on, as they finished in a tie for first place heading into the 2024-25 regular season.

The team should reach at least the 50-win mark, granted these elements carry over. 

Last season, they finished with a mediocre 46-36 record and found themselves in the play-in for a second consecutive year. There were at least a handful of games the Heat lost that they undoubtedly should’ve won.

With a deeper dive into the offense and a team-wide philosophy change on availability, it should be good enough to crack the 50-win mark this time around. 

Butler has come into the new campaign looking rejuvenated and ready to be the leader that this squad needs. Herro is healthy and playing more of an off-ball role that better complements his teammates. Bam Adebayo is due for his best year yet, coming off a third All-Star nod, first-team All-Defense selection and Olympic gold medal run.

Terry Rozier is the biggest wildcard out of the core. With a full training camp with the team under his belt and looking more comfortable, his offense should be implemented more effectively moving forward. Miami is well coached with a plethora of depth along the roster. Guys like Nikola Jovic, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Duncan Robinson will have big roles to supplement the Heat’s core four. 

There is a lot to look forward to in South Beach this season. And with some slight adjustments, they are well positioned to see improvement in the standings.