Heat 2024-25 Schedule: Top Games, Championship Odds and Record Predictions

The Miami Heat's hopes of back-to-back trips to the NBA Final fell short this spring as the team was bounced from the first round in five games by the Boston Celtics.

After last season's health issues and the team's inability to sign a star this offseason despite reportedly expressing interest in Donovan Mitchell and DeMar DeRozan, the Heat will need better injury luck in order to remain a title contender in 2024-25.

Here's a look at the top matchups to keep an eye on as the Heat look to take advantage of what is currently the final year of team control over Jimmy Butler's contract.

Season Opener: vs. Orlando Magic, Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m. ET

Championship Odds: +5500 (bet $100 to win $5,500), per FanDuel, per FanDuel

Full Schedule: The full schedule is available on NBA.com.

Top Matchups

Boston Celtics

The Celtics have spent the offseason making sure they can retain the core that ousted the Heat in five games last postseason.

Miami took on that series while missing Jimmy Butler, Terry Rozier, Josh Richardson or Jaime Jaquez Jr., and with Duncan Robinson limited by a back injury.

There's plenty of tension between these two teams given the results of the last two postseasons. This time, can a healthier Heat roster contend with the defending champions?

Denver Nuggets

After ending the Heat's title hopes by winning the 2023 NBA Finals in five games, Nikola Jokić and the Denver Nuggets had Miami's number last season. The Heat were held below 100 points in both of their regular-season losses to the Nuggets.

Miami has struggled against Denver for years, winning just three of the team's last 20 contests against the 2023 champs. The Heat's second loss to the Nuggets last season also marked their 11th straight defeat by a team ranking among the NBA's top five (h/t the Miami Herald's Anthony Chiang.)

Can the Heat's young talents and veteran stars help turn those patterns around against the Nuggets this fall?

Orlando Magic

This matchup between Florida teams could be a tougher contest than ever as the Magic look to lean on developing stars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner in order to become a contender next season.

Last season this rivalry lost some heat, as both the Magic and Heat were limited by significant injuries when the two teams met later in the season. A healthier matchup this season could help the Sunshine State rivalry get back on track.

Season Forecast

The Heat added former Indiana standout Kel'el Ware with the No. 15 pick of the draft. The team could also hope for further improvement from Jaime Jaquez Jr., who finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting last season, and more consistency from stars like Butler and Bam Adebayo.

But the Heat lost defensive-minded forward Caleb Martin to the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency and was unable to acquire a free agent star like Mitchell or DeRozan.

The Celtics have been able to retain their championship core after re-signing Jayson Tatum and Derrick White. The New York Knicks were able to add Mikal Bridges and retain their own core in part thanks to the discount Jalen Brunson took on his extension. The Magic bolstered their developing young core with the addition of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in free agency.

The Heat's offseason improvements might not have been enough to help the team keep up with these rivals. Miami will need more consistency from leaders like Jimmy Butler, and big seasons from young talents like Ware and Jaquez Jr., in order to compete for a top seed in an improved Eastern Conference next spring.

Record Prediction: 44-38