(Photo courtesy of the NBA)
The Miami Heat are back in action tonight as they welcome the Detroit Pistons to Kaseya Center, looking to bounce back from a disappointing start to the 2026-27 NBA season.
Miami dropped its season opener to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, 131-106, despite an impressive 35-point performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo in his official Heat debut. The two-time MVP delivered, but Miami struggled defensively and connected on just eight of its 33 three-point attempts, and that’s including their early hot start with newcomers Giannis, Klay Thompson and Tim Hardaway Jr. all knocking down their first attempts.
Tonight provides an opportunity to turn things around.
The Pistons arrive in Miami with a 1-0 record after rallying from a 22-point deficit to defeat the Boston Celtics, 121-113, in their season opener. Led by Cade Cunningham and a talented young supporting cast, Detroit figures to be one of the Eastern Conference’s tougher opponents this season.
There’s also a familiar face returning to Miami, as former Heat sharpshooter Duncan Robinson makes his first visit to Kaseya Center this season wearing a Pistons uniform. Robinson scored 21 points in Detroit’s opener, including five three-pointers.
For Erik Spoelstra and the Heat, the focus will be on improving their defensive intensity, finding a better offensive rhythm and getting more consistent contributions from the supporting cast around Giannis and Bam Adebayo.
With a road matchup against Charlotte awaiting Saturday, Miami would certainly love to pick up its first win before heading out of town.
STARTING LINEUPS
Miami Heat
Davion Mitchell, PG
Klay Thompson, SG
Andrew Wiggins, SF
Giannis Antetokounmpo, PF
Bam Adebayo, C
Detroit Pistons
Cade Cunningham, PG
Duncan Robinson, SG
Ausar Thompson, SF
John Collins, PF
Jalen Duren, C
INJURY REPORT / PLAYER AVAILABILITY
Miami Heat
Dru Smith — AVAILABLE (right calf strain)
Myron Gardner — AVAILABLE (right ankle sprain)
Vladislav Goldin — AVAILABLE (right ankle sprain)
Detroit Pistons
Taurean Prince — AVAILABLE (personal)
Elijah Harkless — OUT (G League/two-way assignment)
Isaac Jones — OUT (G League/two-way assignment)
Ugonna Onyenso — OUT (G League/two-way assignment)
GAME INFO
Matchup: Detroit Pistons (1-0) at Miami Heat (0-1)
Date: Friday, October 23, 2026
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Location: Kaseya Center — Miami, Florida
TV: WPLG Local 10 / Local 10+ (South Florida)
Radio: 560 AM / 104.3 FM (South Florida)
It’s only Game 2 of an 82-game season, but the Heat have an opportunity to respond after a rough opening night and give the home crowd something to celebrate.
Join the conversation below, share your thoughts throughout the game and cheer on the Heat with the Hot Hot Hoops community!
Let’s go HEAT!
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