The Miami Heat return to Kaseya Center tonight looking to build on their first victory of the 2026-27 NBA season as they welcome the Indiana Pacers for an 8:00 PM ET matchup.

After a frustrating 0-4 start, Miami finally broke through Wednesday night with a 129-117 victory over the Atlanta Hawks. Giannis Antetokounmpo continued his impressive start to the season with 24 points and 18 rebounds, while Bam Adebayo delivered a much-needed bounce-back performance with 24 points and nine rebounds.

Now the challenge is turning that first win into some momentum.

Tonight’s matchup also marks the beginning of NBA Cup play for the Heat, adding a little extra significance to an early-season meeting with a familiar Eastern Conference opponent.

Indiana enters the game with a 2-3 record and will be without several key contributors, including Tyrese Haliburton, Ivica Zubac and T.J. McConnell. Still, with Pascal Siakam leading the way and several capable offensive players in the rotation, the Pacers remain a dangerous opponent.

Miami will look to continue building chemistry between Antetokounmpo and Adebayo while getting more consistent contributions from Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins and the rest of the supporting cast.

The Heat are also searching for their first home victory of the season after dropping their first three games at Kaseya Center.

Can Miami make it two straight and begin turning its season around?

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUPS

Miami Heat

Davion Mitchell, PG

Klay Thompson, SG

Andrew Wiggins, SF

Giannis Antetokounmpo, PF

Bam Adebayo, C

Indiana Pacers

Andrew Nembhard, PG

Aaron Nesmith, SG

Kelly Oubre Jr., SF

Pascal Siakam, PF

Jay Huff, C

INJURY REPORT / PLAYER AVAILABILITY

Miami Heat

Simone Fontecchio — QUESTIONABLE (illness)

Keshad Johnson — AVAILABLE (hamstring, two-way)

Indiana Pacers

Tyrese Haliburton — OUT (hamstring)

Ivica Zubac — OUT (ankle)

T.J. McConnell — OUT (hamstring)

Johnny Furphy — OUT (knee)

Ben Sheppard — OUT (knee)

Aaron Nesmith — PROBABLE (hamstring)

Andrew Nembhard — PROBABLE (neck)

GAME INFO

Matchup: Indiana Pacers (2-3) at Miami Heat (1-4)
Date: Friday, October 30, 2026
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Location: Kaseya Center — Miami, Florida
TV: WPLG Local 10 / Local 10+ (South Florida)
Radio: 560 AM WQAM / 104.3 FM (South Florida)
Competition: Emirates NBA Cup — Group Play

The Heat finally have their first victory. Now it’s time to keep things rolling and give the home crowd its first win of the season.

Join the conversation below, share your reactions throughout the game and cheer on the Heat with the Hot Hot Hoops community!

Let’s go HEAT!

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