The Miami Heat open the regular season Wednesday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves, their first chance to show how much the roster has changed since a 43-39 finish last year ended in an early play-in exit. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.
Miami overhauled the team over the offseason, bringing in nine new players. The biggest move was a blockbuster trade with the Milwaukee Bucks that sent two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and backup big man Bobby Portis to South Florida. Miami sent Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware and Kasparas Jakucionis to Milwaukee in return.
Antetokounmpo will join captain Bam Adebayo in the frontcourt. Klay Thompson also arrived after agreeing to a buyout with the Dallas Mavericks. He signed a two-year, $11.5 million deal and said Miami gave him the best chance to win another championship.
Head coach Erik Spoelstra, who has been the constant in the organization, said the team has built a collaborative culture during training camp. He said competition now takes over.
The path to a fourth title will be difficult. The Eastern Conference has several reloaded teams, including the Philadelphia 76ers, who added LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, and the defending champion New York Knicks.
Minnesota, which went 49-33 last season, added LaMelo Ball to a young backcourt alongside Anthony Edwards.
