The Miami Heat commenced their 2026 NBA preseason with a commanding 129-105 victory over the Toronto Raptors on October 3, 2026, at the Videotron Centre in Québec City. This game marked the debut of Giannis Antetokounmpo in a Heat uniform following his high-profile acquisition from the Milwaukee Bucks.
Antetokounmpo's arrival has generated significant excitement among Heat fans, as the team aims to return to championship contention. The preseason opener provided the first glimpse of Miami's revamped roster, which also features new additions Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins. The starting lineup for the Heat included Davion Mitchell, Thompson, Wiggins, Antetokounmpo, and team captain Bam Adebayo. (hothothoops.com)
The game was part of the NBA Canada Series 2026, marking the league's first preseason game in Québec City. The event aimed to bring NBA basketball to Canadian fans outside of Toronto, highlighting the league's commitment to expanding its presence in Canada. (nba.com)
On the Raptors' side, the game featured notable performances from RJ Barrett, who scored 15 points in 17 minutes, and Scottie Barnes, who added 11 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists in 12 minutes. However, the team was without Kawhi Leonard, who was ruled out for the preseason opener. (raptorsrepublic.com)
The Heat's dominant performance in this preseason opener sets an optimistic tone for the upcoming season, as fans eagerly anticipate how the new roster will gel and perform in pursuit of an NBA championship.