Projected starting lineup and rotation for Heat's NBA season opener against Magic

The Miami Heat open the 2024-25 NBA season on Wednesday night against the Orlando Magic at the Kaseya Center and look to maintain the good mood from the previous season.

Coach Erik Spoelstra has settled on a starting lineup of Terry Rozier, Tyler Herro, Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo that is outscoring its four preseason opponents by a combined 18 points.

But as Butler said, “Now things are getting serious.”

In addition to the starters, Spoelstra also has some decisions to make with the rest of the rotation. Internally, the Heat continue to point to their depth and continuity as reasons for optimism. They believe that almost everyone on the roster, including two players, can contribute minutes.

That means Spoelstra has 17 players (14 on standard contracts, three on two-way contracts) to choose from as he whittles down his rotation.

Among the biggest remaining questions is how Spoelstra will handle the backup point guard position. He used both Alec Burks and Dru Smith as replacements for Rozier in the preseason, and the option remains to move Rozier and Herro.

Expect Smith to get minutes on opening night. Despite fans' questions, Spoelstra remains high on the 26-year-old guard, appreciating his no-nonsense approach, ability to set the table and effort on defense.

So where does that leave the rest of the rotation?

Duncan Robinson, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Haywood Highsmith and Kevin Love appear to be in the second unit for now. Thomas Bryant and Burks could step up if someone in front of them gets into foul trouble.

Others like Kel'el Ware, Pelle Larsson and Josh Richardson appear to be on the outside looking in. The same goes for two-way guys Keshad Johnson and Josh Christopher.

PG: Rozier / Smith* / Burks
SG: Herro/Robinson
SF: Butler / Jaquez
PF: Jovic / Highsmith
C: Adebayo/Love/Bryant

An update on Richardson: His surgically repaired shoulder has been cleared for contact, but he suffered a heel injury in practice this week that will likely sideline him for opening night.

The Heat's opponent, the Magic, are the defending Southeast Division champions. They ranked third in defensive rating last season, but were in the bottom ten in offensive rating. They added Kentaious Caldwell-Pope over the summer, a reliable 3-point shooter who should help create space, and Orlando is expecting standout seasons from Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.

The Heat went 3-1 against the Magic last season.