The NBA released its full 82-game schedule for the Miami Heat on Thursday. What are some numbers to note, as we now know the Heat’s whereabouts for the 2026-27 season?
25 – National Televised Games
Skinny: The Heat are back on national television! After just five games on nationally-televised networks last season, they will have 25 this year, the 10th most in the NBA.
- 10 on ESPN/ABC
- 9 on NBC/Peacock
- 6 on Amazon Prime.
That includes on Opening Night against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Christmas Day versus the Boston Celtics and Jan. 28 for Giannis Antetokounmpo’s return to Milwaukee.
13 – Back to backs team will play
Skinny: Typically, the Heat are among the league leaders of miles traveled due to their geographical location. The NBA did them some favors this year, however, as they will be one of 11 teams who only play 13 back-to-backs, compared to 15 last year. They will have six home-to-home back-to-backs, with only one against the same opponent (Toronto — March 2/3).
11 – Times Heat will have rest advantage
Skinny: Last year, the Heat had eight gaems wtih a rest advantage, compared to 11 with a rest disadvantage. This year, they have 11 with a rest advantage, and 10 with a rest disadvantage. Oddly enough, since the start of the 2023-24 season, the Heat are above .500 (33-27) with a rest disadvantage and 24-26 with the advantage. Remember, this team likes playing games with their backs against the wall.
16 – Times Heat play a 2025-26 postseason teams starting on March 1.
Skinny: A lot can change over the course of an 82-game season, just like a lot has changed over the summer in terms of each team’s roster construction. Players get hurt; players can outperform expectations, or even underperform. It’s all fluid.
But using last year’s standings, of the 21 games the Heat play in March/April, 16 will be against teams that were postseason teams last year, including three against the Orlando Magic, two against the Denver Nuggets, Toronto Raptors and Phoenix Suns. That doesn’t include one game against the Indiana Pacers, who will be better.
That’s not an easy stretch. Again, that doesn’t mean those teams will be postseason squads this year, but it is noteworthy.
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For all the “debby downers” in our home viewing audience in need of a dose of optimism, here you go.
Numbers and advantages mean nothing. I saw a ragtag group of determined and overachieving fighters finish the second half of the 2016-2017 season 30-11. That team’s primary line-up was: Goran Dragic, Dion Waiters, Rodney McGruder, Luke Babbitt, and Hassan Whiteside, with the Brothers Johnson, Josh Richardson and Wayne Ellington in reserve. Justice Winslow was injured most of the season and played only 18 games.
Man could the Heat use someone with Goran Dragic’s leadership, experience, play-making and shooting. Maybe Miami already has one?
I have a feeling that knowing he will be playing alongside Giannis and Bam, Mitchell will come into camp with fire in his eyes and a list of goals to accomplish. I can see him kicking his game up a notch or two, especially his play-making and scoring. If Spo is encouraging him to shoot more threes, I can see Mitchell picking his scoring up to 15 ppg. With Giannis and Bam attacking the rim, I can also see Mitchell increasing his assists up to 8+ per game. His confidence and leadership may be off the chart by January.