The Miami Heat aren't expected to be as good a team as last year, which is no surprise. However, they will still be a very good team who will contend for a top four team in the Eastern Conference. Their schedule features several great matchups which will make for some very entertaining games.

October 29th - the Washington Wizards: The Heat's very first game is important for a few reasons. Of course, it is important because it will be the fans' first chance to get a look at the new Heat team. It is also a game to look because the Wizards are another team who will contend for a top four seed in the Eastern Conference. This game will be a great way to start off the season. 

November 12th - the Indiana Pacers: Many factors will make this game less interesting than previous matchups, including Paul George being hurt, and Lance Stephenson and LeBron James being on different teams. However, this is the first time in the season that we will say an Eastern Conference Finals rematch.

December 14th - the Chicago Bulls: People forget that these two teams had a little rivalry going on before Derrick Rose went through two major leg injuries. This game will be interesting for two reasons. First, it will be Luol Deng's second time ever playing against the team he played with for his first 10 seasons. Also, the Bulls are the early favorites to win the Eastern Conference, so we will get to see how Miami stacks up against the best competition. 

December 25th - the Cleveland Cavaliers: Watching this game will be a great Christmas present for many fans of the NBA. Not only does it feature two of the conference's top teams, but it has some drama involved with it. Much like Cavaliers fans did when LeBron played with the Heat in Cleveland, Heat fans will either boo James like crazy or laud him for his 4-year contribution in his return to Miami. It should be a great one to look. 

February 6th @ the San Antonio Spurs: This game will be the first of two NBA Finals rematch games this year. Last season, the Heat beat the Spurs in the regular season without LeBron, thanks to a clutch three pointer by Chris Bosh. Though the Spurs dominated the finals, the Heat will still compete in this game. 

There are many other games on the Heat's schedule that could have made the cut, such as Deng's return to Chicago or the Heat playing in Cleveland for their last game before the All-Star Game. 20 of their 82 games are nationally televised, so the Miami Heat will definitely have an action-packed and entertaining schedule.