The Miami Heat released their complete 2017-18 regular season schedule on Monday.
Miami will begin the season on October 18th in Orlando against the Magic. Even though the season will start on the road, it won't stay there long. The Heat will have their longest homestand of the season right away. The six games following the opener will all be held at American Airlines Arena.
During that long homestand, Dwyane Wade and the Chicago Bulls will visit Miami. The Bulls are in a rebuilding mode, with Wade leading a relatively young roster. A few weeks after that game in Miami, the Heat will travel to Chicago for another contest. The Bulls and Heat will play another pair of games as the season continues.
Miami will travel to Cleveland to see LeBron James and the Cavaliers for the first time on November 28th. With Kyrie Irving currently seeking a trade out of Cleveland, it remains to be seen who will be on the court for that game. Regardless of Irving's status, Cleveland is expected to be near the top of the Eastern Conference once again.
The Cavaliers will host the Heat again for another game in January, before finally visiting Miami in March. It remains to be seen if James will suit up for that game in Miami, after sitting out multiple contests last season against the Heat. With that game coming towards the end of the season, it could have playoff implications for both teams.
The Heat will finish the season with a pair of home games in early April. The Oklahoma City Thunder and Toronto Raptors will visit Miami during that final homestand. In 2016-17, Miami missed the playoffs on the final day of the season. If the season comes down to the wire again, these games could be exciting and difficult games. Both Oklahoma City and Toronto are expected to compete for top playoff spots in their respective conferences.
Miami's full 2017-18 schedule is available on Heat.com.
