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Stacked and cutthroat might be understatements when describing the Eastern Conference for the 2026-27 NBA season. The New York Knicks are looking to repeat as champions, the Philadelphia 76ers are going all-in with their new roster, and the Detroit Pistons are out to redeem themselves, among others. Everyone has made moves to prove that they belong with the rest of the competition. However, ESPN posits that the Miami Heat don't belong in that category quite yet. Yes, even if they just acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo and Klay Thompson.
Heat led by Antetokounmpo not among ESPN's top Eastern Conference teams
When looked at on paper, the Heat have all that it takes to win the Eastern Conference when the 2026-27 NBA regular season rolls around.
A coach with a championship-winning pedigree? Check. Coach Erik Spoelstra has always found a way to get the Heat in the postseason regardless of injuries or rotational issues.
New acquisitions to bolster their star power? Check. Bam Adebayo is getting Giannis Antetokounmpo and Klay Thompson, both of whom have gone on to win the Larry O'Brien trophy as either the first or second option.
A deep squad that could compete with the rest of the NBA? Also, a big check. The departures of Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, and Kasparas Jakucionis due to the Antetokounmpo trade may be rough, but the Heat have a rotation that's more than enough. Tim Hardaway, Andrew Wiggins, Simone Fontecchio, and Ryan Conwell have all signed new deals. Moreover, Coach Spoelstra has the luxury of running flexible schemes due to guys like Davion Mitchell, Dru Smith, Pelle Larsson, Nikola Jovic, and Bobby Portis.
So, where does the Heat rank in ESPN's Eastern Conference contenders list?
| 1. New York Knicks | 53-29 |
| 2. Detroit Pistons | 53-29 |
| 3. Cleveland Cavaliers | 51-31 |
| 4. Philadelphia 76ers | 50-32 |
| 5. Boston Celtics | 48-34 |
| 6. Atlanta Hawks | 47-35 |
| 7. Miami Heat | 47-35 |
| 8. Toronto Raptors | 45-37 |
| 9. Indiana Pacers | 44-38 |
| 10. Orlando Magic | 44-38 |
| 11. Charlotte Hornets | 34-48 |
| 12. Washington Wizards | 31-51 |
| 13. Chicago Bulls | 31-51 |
| 14. Milwaukee Bucks | 25-57 |
| 15. Brooklyn Nets | 18-64 |
ESPN projected that the Heat will be the seventh-best team in the Eastern Conference. Pundits have collectively agreed they'll be a 47-win team because of their current roster makeup, the rotational challenges they might face, and everything in between. A big woe that that they outlined which could bar Coach Spoelstra from championship contention was Antetokounmpo's health.
"Miami and Toronto acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kawhi Leonard, respectively. After pulling off such seismic deals, both teams will begin the season considering themselves top contenders - pending the health of those stars," ESPN declared.
If Antetokounmpo does remain healthy for the Heat, big numbers are in his future. Basketball Reference's 2026-27 Per 36 Minutes Projections have him racking up 31.6 points on a 60.2% field goal percentage, 11.8 rebounds, 6.6 assists, 1.1 steals, and a block. He would hit career-highs in points, rebounds, and assists. All of which would be a great help to the Heat.
Coach Spoelstra has already managed to get a +2.2 net rating (13th in the NBA), with a 116.7 offensive rating and 114.5 defensive rating during the 2025-26 season. The Heat also ranked second in total points per game, averaging 120.9. All of that happened without having someone like Antetokounmpo to lead them or Thompson to stretch the floor.
Doubts about newly formed teams aren't rare. Squads have won the Larry O'Brien trophy with lower projections. The Heat, led by Coach Spoelstra, Adebayo, and Antetokounmpo, have all the resources to prove this projection wrong during the regular season.
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