Raptors Trip Kicks Off Miami's Preseason Slate

By the Heat Nightly Desk · Wednesday, September 30

Miami opens its preseason Saturday in Toronto, NBA TV carrying the broadcast, before a home game against New Orleans on October 8. Myron Gardner and Ryan Conwell are each targeting an October 1 return from injury, timing that would have both ready for the trip, though neither has been cleared yet.

2026-10-01: Target return for Gardner and Conwell

Toronto First

The preseason opens Saturday, October 3, on the road against the Raptors, with NBA TV carrying the broadcast. It is the first game for Giannis Antetokounmpo since he arrived over the summer, and the first time this revamped roster takes the floor together in a game that counts toward nothing but preparation. Bam Adebayo, Klay Thompson and Lester Quinones, who joined Tuesday, are all part of that group, and Erik Spoelstra will use the trip to start sorting rotations before anything counts in the standings.

Why It Matters

Toronto is not just an exhibition. It is Spoelstra's first live look at how Giannis Antetokounmpo fits with Bam Adebayo and Davion Mitchell in real possessions, after a summer of practice reps in Los Angeles. Both were cleared from injury designations this week, opening the door for the trip.

Who's Out

Myron Gardner (left ankle) and Ryan Conwell (hip) are both working toward an October 1 target, two days before the Raptors game. Neither has been cleared yet, and Miami has not confirmed either will play in the opener.

Home After

New Orleans visits October 8, then Minnesota and Brooklyn close the exhibition slate before the regular season opens October 21 against the Timberwolves on ESPN.

Bottom Line

None of this shows up in a record that still reads 0-0. Preseason does not hand out banners; it exposes who can guard, who can finish and who still needs the reps before October 21 counts. Miami gets its first evidence this week, not its verdict, and Spoelstra will be watching for habits, not box scores.

When do the Heat play their first preseason game?

Saturday, October 3, on the road against the Raptors. NBA TV has the broadcast.

Are Myron Gardner and Ryan Conwell playing this week?

Both are targeting an October 1 return from injury; neither has been cleared to play yet.