Miami Heat vs Charlotte Hornets Preseason Game Prediction and Preview | Oct. 8, 2024

If Miami Heat superstar Jimmy Butler's traditional look compared to his usual Media Day shenanigans is an indicator of the forward already locked in, then expect the East to see a different version of the Heat when they start their preseason against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on Tuesday (Oct. 8).

Miami made the playoffs via the play-in in the two last seasons — one of which translated to an NBA Finals run. It was the second time Butler led the side to a deeper stretch, but the Heat were doused both times.

The Heat's previous season signaled another solid postseason campaign as they finished 46-36 — a record good enough to put them against the red-hot Boston Celtics, but with Butler's MCL sprain ruling him out, the offense sputtered and they were outdone by a clinical Celtics side that eventually went on to win the championship.

The Hornets seemed an exciting unit with Brandon Miller in their ranks. But it was another torrid season, as they went 21-61 to finish 13th in the East. They last made the playoffs in 2016, and ironically, it was the Heat that took them down despite their 3-2 lead.

Title aspirations aside, the Hornets must first contend to be a side that can make the play-in which still requires them to win at least 40 games and other results to go their way to stand a chance. This season will be all about working toward getting to that mark.

To their credit, they did well against the New York Knicks in their preseason opener but went down 111-109 despite LaMelo Ball's 18-point outing. It will be interesting to see if they can produce a similar effort against a formidable Heat outfit.

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Miami Heat vs Charlotte Hornets preview, predicted starting lineups, odds, and prediction | Oct. 8, 2024

The Heat vs Hornets matchup tips off at 7 pm ET. Local coverage will be on Bally Sports SE-CHA and Bally Sports Sun. The game can be live-streamed on the NBA app with a subscription to the NBA League Pass. Here's a look at the odds ahead of the skirmish.

Teams	Spread	Moneyline	Total (o/u)
Miami Heat	+2	+110	o218.5 (-110)
Charlotte Hornets	-2	-130	u218.5 (-110)

Note: Odds are subject to change closer to tip-off.

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Miami Heat vs Charlotte Hornets preview

In focus will be how Bam Adebayo can be the difference-maker at power forward if Kel'el Ware plays center. It could bolster the Heat's defense, while also creating more scoring production for Adebayo who comes off a solid Olympics run. With Butler in the mix, the Heat can form a lethal frontcourt that has size and scoring.

The backcourt remains a work in progress. Tyler Herro and former Hornet Terry Rozier will need to build chemistry and the lack of it can be a bane if they struggle during the regular season Wings Duncan Robinson or Haywood Highsmith are fallback options if the Rozier-Herro partnership struggles.

But for now, the Heat, despite a lack of big moves this summer, head into the season as shoo-in playoff contenders.

The Hornets have to be healthy on both ends of the floor to be even a midfield side this season. Ball played just 22 games last season while dealing with a dodgy ankle. Over the past two editions, the fourth-year guard has been on the floor just 58 games, though he has been productive when he has suited up for Charlotte.

Miles Bridges and Seth Curry aren't needle-movers, but this side can make a difference under new coach Charles Lee. Any record over their 21-61 nightmare is an improvement.

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Miami Heat vs Charlotte Hornets predicted starting lineups

The Miami Heat will likely field Duncan Robinson instead of Herro (right groin strain). Jaime Jaquez Jr. (left groin strain) has been sidelined as well. This sees Rozier, Robinson, Jimmy Butler, Nikola Jovic, and Adebayo as their starters.

The Hornets will start with Ball, Miller, Josh Green, Miles Bridges, and Nick Richardson.

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Miami Heat vs Charlotte Hornets prediction

The Miami Heat are definitely favorites heading into this contest, but the Hornets can sting if they manage to get off to a fast start and maintain the pressure. But for now, it will be a Heat win.