Miami

Bosh Returns to Court as Heat Drop Preseason Opener

The Heat opened the preseason on Sunday and the game included the return of Chris Bosh

The Miami Heat began their preseason schedule on Sunday with a 90-77 loss to the Charlotte Hornets at AmericanAirlines Arena.

The final score is meaningless, but the box score is not. One of the participants in the game was Chris Bosh, who missed the final 30 games of last season due to blood clots in his lungs. This was the first game action for Bosh since the All-Star Game last season.

Not only did Bosh play, but he played well. The big man gave Miami 23 strong minutes and posted 14 points and seven rebounds. Bosh appeared to be in tremendous shape, and looked focus on both ends of the court. Bosh's productivity will be critical to Miami's playoff hopes during the season.

Dwyane Wade also played 23 minutes in which he scored 12 points and had five boards of his own. The All-Star also picked up a steal while getting his work in. Wade was forced to pick up most of the load when Bosh went down last season, and appeared to tire out towards the end of the campaign.

This will be the first full season for Goran Dragic in Miami as he looks to lead its offense to the postseason. Dragic got off to a slow start scoring wise with only two points. The point guard did move the ball well though with five assists. Dragic will be pass up scoring opportunities at times, but can also sink a basket when its needed.

Amar'e Stoudemire made his debut for the Heat with 12 points and six rebounds off the bench. Stoudemire is going to see minutes as one of Miami's main options off the bench. The veteran has shown glimpses of his former self in the last couple of years.

Hassan Whiteside did not play in the loss as he continues to nurse a strained right calf. Whiteside may be ready to go for the next game, but that is considered questionable at this time.

The Heat will host the Orlando Magic on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

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