The Miami Heat have some adjustments to make between their first and second games of the season. They will test these changes against the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night.
The Hornets, who came back from an 18-point deficit to win their season opener in Houston, suffered a 125-120 loss to Atlanta on Friday despite LaMelo Ball’s 34 points. Ball had 10 of the team’s 18 turnovers and fouled out with over three minutes remaining, highlighting areas needing improvement. Saturday will be Charlotte’s first regular-season home game under Lee.
Miami, after losing to the Magic on Wednesday, needs to address defensive inconsistencies. The Heat, who had high expectations this season, were disappointed by their performance. Ex-Hornet Terry Rozier led Miami with 19 points, six rebounds, and five assists, but the team struggled offensively, scoring below 100 points—a recurring issue in last season’s first-round playoff exit against Boston.
The Heat shot just 39% from the field in their opener, with only nine offensive rebounds compared to Orlando’s 18. Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo combined for 12 points, with Adebayo making 10 free-throw attempts but struggling from the field. Last season, Miami dominated Charlotte in all four meetings, with Adebayo scoring a team-high 24 points in their final matchup. The Heat have won 11 of their last 13 games against the Hornets. However, the Hornets will be without second-year guard Brandon Miller until at least November 1, and center Mark Williams has missed the first two games. The Heat will also be without forward Kevin Love (personal) and center Kel’el Ware (illness) for Saturday’s game.
