Miami Heat Team Preview

Just over a year removed from an NBA Finals appearance, the Miami Heat are ready to go for the 2021-22 NBA season. Led by veteran Jimmy Butler, the Heat bring back most of their key players from the last few seasons but add a big-name player at the point guard position. 

Since the addition of Jimmy Butler, the Heat have been in contention and have the roster to win a championship. They made an incredible run in the bubble but fell short to the Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals. Coming off a first-round exit to the eventual NBA Champions, the Heat are gearing up for another playoff run with head coach Erik Spoelstra.  

Big Additions

The biggest addition to the Miami Heat this offseason was Kyle Lowry. The Toronto legend is now with the Miami Heat after a sign and trade deal was made. Lowry fills the true point guard role that Miami has needed and could not get from Goran Dragic. Lowry will be able to control the floor and facilitate everything in the offense, which can take the stress off Jimmy Butler. 

The Heat were also able to sign Duncan Robinson back, who was a huge part in their run to the Finals in the bubble. Robinson is a deadly three-point shooter and plays exceptional defense as well. 

Finally, the Heat added PJ Tucker as well. Tucker, well known for his days in Houston with James Harden, is off his NBA Championship season with the Milwaukee Bucks last season. Tucker is most known for making corner threes and playing hard-nosed defense. 

Impactful Subtractions

The Miami Heat lost a few key players from the previous years this last offseason, some that will benefit and some that may hurt. The biggest loss is Goran Dragic which will help this team. Dragic was unable to stay healthy for most of the season and in clutch moments, just could not get the job done. They traded him for Kyle Lowry, which is a huge upgrade at that position. 

The second subtraction was Andre Iguodala, the veteran who returned to his former team, the Golden State Warriors. While Iguodala did not bring much to the Heat, losing a veteran like that can be tough as he can play a role in developing younger players. For his role on the team, the Heat will be just fine without Iguodala. 

Key Players

This Heat squad is loaded and ready for the season. Looking up and down this roster, there are very few areas of improvement. With the young players of Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo, Duncan Robinson, and others, it matches well with the veteran players. Jimmy Butler, Kyle Lowry, Victor Oladipo will play big roles as well for this team. 

Miami Heat 2021-22 Odds and Lines

2021-22 Win Total: 48.5
Division Odds: +100
Conference Odds: +1200
Title Odds: +2600

* All odds provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.