Miami's payroll sits at $209.1M, above the first apron, with the roster still being trimmed into October. The Heat head into the Nets game 2-1 in preseason with a rest advantage over a Brooklyn team playing its second game in two nights.
The Payroll Number
Miami's bill sits at $209.1M, above the first apron and above the $200.4M luxury tax line. Antetokounmpo's $58.5M and Adebayo's $49.8M carry most of that weight, with Wiggins' $30.2M player option behind them. That number is why the roster keeps shrinking before the opener. It says nothing about who occupies the final spots once the regular season starts.
The Efficiency Number
Miami's full-season efficiency margin last season was 2.1, 13th in the league, with the offense ranking 12th and the defense 13th. That number describes a team that broke even on both ends, nothing more. It says nothing about what changes with Antetokounmpo now on the roster.
A 2-1 Preseason
Three preseason games are on the books: a 129-105 win at Toronto, a 128-118 win over New Orleans, and a 124-125 loss to Minnesota. That is 2-1. It does not move the record, which stays 0-0 until the opener against the Timberwolves on October 21.
The Opponent's Baseline
Brooklyn won 20 games last season and finished at a -10.0 net mark, worst of the two teams meeting Wednesday. That record explains why the Nets are already rebuilding, not just resting regulars. It does not predict how a preseason lineup missing regulars will look against Miami's bench.
The Rest Edge
Miami enters Wednesday on three days' rest. Brooklyn has one, playing its second game in two nights and its second straight on the road before a seven-day break. That schedule favors whichever Heat players take the floor. It does not guarantee they use it.
Is Miami's record really still 0-0?
Yes. The Heat have played three preseason games, going 2-1, but preseason results do not count toward the regular-season record, which opens October 21 against Minnesota.
Why does Miami's payroll matter right now?
At $209.1M, Miami sits above the first apron and the luxury tax line, which is part of why the roster is still being trimmed ahead of the regular season.
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