NBA Miami Heat

Miami Heat 2014-15 Season Preview, Prediction

Miami Heat 2014-15 Season Preview, Prediction

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With LeBron James back in Cleveland, the Miami Heat will rely on a new 'Big Three' to help them contend for an NBA title. With Chris Bosh returning and a healthy Dwyane Wade, the Heat should contend with the top teams in the Eastern conference. Can Wade stay healthy and lead the Heat back to the Finals?

5. Offseason Subtractions

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5. Offseason Subtractions

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Losing the best player in the league is never a good thing. There's no doubt the Heat will miss the four-time MVP wearing No. 6, but the franchise has the necessary tools to contend in the East. The Heat will also miss Ray Allen's outside shooting and Shane Battier's defense. Michael Beasley, Toney Douglas, Rashard Lewis, James Jones and Greg Oden were not re-signed.

4. Offseason Additions

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4. Offseason Additions

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In true Pat Riley fashion, the Miami Heat wasted no time rebuilding after LeBron James announced his decision to go home. Re-signing Chris Bosh was a must and Miami also added help at the small forward position with the additions of Luol Deng and Dannny Granger. Both Granger and Deng have been injury-prone in the past, but so far both seem to fit well in Miami. Shannon Brown, Shabazz Napier, Shawne Williams and Josh McRoberts were also signed.

3. Starting Five Prediction

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3. Starting Five Prediction

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Mario Chalmers (PG), Dwyane Wade (SG), Luol Deng (SF), Josh McRoberts (PF) and Chris Bosh (C) -- like many teams out East, the Heat's starting five have not been set in stone yet. The new big three of Wade, Deng and Bosh will definitely get the start, but don't be surprised to see Norris Cole, Shawne Williams or Chris Anderson in the starting lineup.

2. Bench Rotation

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2. Bench Rotation

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Once again, the Miami Heat's bench might be a little thin this season. The Heat added Danny Granger through free agency and he should be able to help the team if he can remain healthy. Norris Cole will get his chances as the backup point guard and Shannon Brown, Chris Andersen, Shabazz Napier and Udonis Haslem round out the bench.

1. Win-Loss Prediction

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1. Win-Loss Prediction

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Despite the loss of LeBron James, the Miami Heat should still contend for a playoff position in the East. If Dwyane Wade can stay healthy throughout the season, the Heat will go as far as he will take them. Chris Bosh will get his points and look for the lanky forward to return to the post after flirting with the perimeter too much last season. If Dwyane Wade can stay healthy, the sky's the limit

2014 Prediction: 48-34

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