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5 storylines as the Miami Heat began its 2025-26 season. Are they happening now?

The curated articles on the Miami Heat’s 2025-26 season highlight key storylines such as preseason preparations, handling injuries, and strategic roster decisions. There’s a focus on team dynamics and upcoming challenges.

The Heat will embark on a preseason trip to Puerto Rico, marking a history-rich return with games against the Orlando Magic. These games are significant for players like Ethan Thompson, who have personal connections to Puerto Rico. Injuries have sidelined key players like Tyler Herro, impacting roster decisions. The team has opted to pick up contract options on Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kel’el Ware, betting on their continued development to fill the void. Erik Spoelstra has implemented a faster-paced offense. The Heat showcased this approach by dominating Memphis at a historic pace. This change aims to shake the team’s past offensive struggles and energize the roster. The new season sees the Heat navigating through preseason fixtures and roster changes, aiming to adapt and thrive amidst player injuries and strategic plays.

Miami Heat mascot Burnie holds the flag of Puerto Rico as the team announces a preseason game against the Orlando Magic in Puerto Rico during a press conference at the Heat practice court at Kaseya Center in Miami on August 12, 2025. By SAM NAVARRO

NO. 1: HEAT HEADING TO PUERTO RICO FOR PRESEASON GAME VS. MAGIC. HERE’S HEAT’S FULL PRESEASON SCHEDULE

The Miami Heat will take a trip to Puerto Rico before the start of the regular season. | Published August 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Anthony Chiang



Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) looks on during the second half of Game 4 of the Eastern Conference NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Kaseya Center on April 28, 2025, in Miami. By D.A. Varela

NO. 2: WHO WILL STEP UP IN TYLER HERRO’S ABSENCE? HOW HERRO’S INJURY AFFECTS REST OF HEAT GUARDS

The Miami Heat will need to find a way to survive a challenging early season schedule without one of its best players. | Published September 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Anthony Chiang



Miami Heat center Kel’el Ware (7) reacts alongside Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) during the first half of an NBA game against the Utah Jazz at Kaseya Center on January 4, 2025, in Miami. By D.A. Varela

NO. 3: HEAT PICKS UP CONTRACT OPTIONS ON JAIME JAQUEZ JR. AND KEL’EL WARE. WHAT IT MEANS

As expected, the Miami Heat guaranteed another season on the rookie-scale contracts of forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. | Published September 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Anthony Chiang



Miami Heat guard Ethan Thompson catches the ball during practice drills at Abessino Court at Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton on October 2, 2025. By PHOTO BY AL DIAZ

NO. 4: HEAT’S PRESEASON GAME IN PUERTO RICO MEANINGFUL FOR ONE PLAYER. ALSO, FIVE GUARDS SIDELINED

As Miami Heat guard Ethan Thompson continues to pursue his NBA dream, he’ll realize another dream this weekend. | Published October 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Anthony Chiang



Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Miami Heat and Jaime Jaquez Jr. #11 of the Miami Heat reacts during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on October 24, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. By Justin Ford

NO. 5: HEAT PLAYING FAST, HAVING FUN. CAN IT BE SUSTAINED? ‘WE’RE TRYING TO MAKE IT LAST ALL SEASON’

After finishing with one of the NBA’s 10 worst offensive ratings in three straight seasons, Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra knew something needed to change. | Published October 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Anthony Chiang

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

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