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Erik Spoelstra’s ‘unknown’ outlook on Heat’s 2025-26 season

Originally posted on NBA on ClutchPoints | Last updated Oct 21, 2025 5:02 PM ET

With fans locking in their bold predictions for the Miami Heat’s 2025-26 season with the season opener on Wednesday against the Orlando Magic, there have been discussions on what the ceiling of the team will be. As the Heat went winless in the preseason, head coach Erik Spoelstra would give insight into what he believes the outlook is this season.

Speaking to the media after Tuesday’s practice, Spoelstra would not give an official prediction on what the year could potentially look like, but was reassured by a certain aspect. He expressed that he does not “fully” know what the outlook is and is “embracing the unknown,” according to The Sun Sentinel.

“No, I don’t fully know, and I’m OK with embracing the unknown,” Spoelstra said. “I said that the first day of training camp. I think our team is set up for great potential for growth as the season goes on. While we’re improving, while guys are growing, hopefully a lot of guys are surprising us — hopefully we can get some Ws under our belt, too.”

Heat’s Norman Powell shares excitement for season

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One of the unknowns of the team this season is Heat newcomer Norman Powell’s comfort level with the rest of the group, as the opener is just around the corner. However, Powell has shown what he can do during the preseason and told ClutchPoints last week how “excited” he is for the start of the season.

“Yeah, I’m really excited about it, being a vet, it’s my 11th year, you know, you take preseason differently, not in a bad way, but you want to get to the real you know? So it’s all about building blocks, getting my body, my mind ready for the long haul,” Powell said. “But I’m really excited. You know? I know we haven’t won a game in preseason.”

“People are saying whatever they want, but like I said, it’s preseason, we’re trying new things, offensively, defensively, building our identity. So when it’s go time, we know who we are. We know the style of the brand of basketball we’re going to play. Nobody’s won a championship or lost a championship in the preseason, so we’re just building, and I’m ready to get it going on the 22nd,” Powell continued.

Miami looks to improve after finishing 10th in the East last season, with the opener on Wednesday in Orlando.

This article first appeared on NBA on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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