Giannis Antetokounmpo prepares for Miami Heat season ahead of opener
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 18, 2026, 12:46 PM
Last updated Oct 18, 2026

Giannis Antetokounmpo is set to begin his first season with the Miami Heat, who open their campaign on October 21. Since joining the team in July, he has impressed during the preseason, averaging 15.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game. The Heat secured victories in their first two preseason games against the Toronto Raptors and New Orleans Pelicans before losing the final game to the Orlando Magic. The transition to Miami's rigorous practice culture is ongoing, and Antetokounmpo has expressed confidence in his fitness and adaptation to the team.
- •Heat’s regular season starts on October 21 against the Chicago Bulls.
- •Antetokounmpo averaged 15.7 points in preseason games.
- •Miami won two preseason games, losing the last to Orlando.
- •The team is focused on intense training and fitness.
- •Antetokounmpo commends Pat Riley's engagement with the team.
- 12:46 PMYahoo Sports — Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Miami Heat Journey So Far
"It has been a while since the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade turned the Miami Heat into National TV darlings, and the interest and hype around the world have only increased. The Heat's regular season is about to begin on October 21st, and so far, the superstar has spent four months on his new team getting ready. …
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