Game Preview: Heat open preseason in Washington

The official part of training camp is over as the Miami Heat have returned from the Bahamas and are about to take part in their first of eight preseason games. The first one: the Washington Wizards.

• When: Tuesday, October 4 @ 7pm EST
• Where: Verizon Center, Washington D.C.
• Coverage: SunSports

For Miami, this is going to be the beginning of a month long test to see what this roster and rotation will look like. There are three guarantees right now in the starting lineup: Hassan Whiteside, Goran Dragic, and Justise Winslow. Who starts at SG and PF is to be determined.

And likely, it will be battled throughout preseason for the spot and the rotation. The Heat will be without Josh Richardson who is still recovering from a knee injury. He is expected to be ready around the beginning of the season. They will also be without, likely, Josh McRoberts who is dealing with a foot injury and recovery.

Here are some things that I am interested to see as the preseason begins against the Wizards.

• What kind of step has Justise Winslow taken and will it convert to being an offensive leader? The Heat need another game controller, and Winslow’s growth is important here.
• Where does Tyler Johnson fit into this rotation? Is he the backup point guard? Is he the starting shooting guard? I really don’t know...I have some ideas, but I don’t know where Spo is going to use him.
• What will the pace look like? There are no ball hogs or movement stoppers...so is Dragic going to be leading an exciting movement, or are they just going to struggle to score?

About Washington
Scott Brooks is beginning his tenure in Washington and has plenty to prove. The Wizards drastically under performed last year and will look to take a step back forward this season.

John Wall would be the biggest concern for the Heat. His size, speed and athleticism always cause problems. And he is the engine for the team. Luckily for the Heat, Wall will not play in this game.

It will also be fun watching Marcin Gortat and Hassan Whiteside battle for a little bit.

But this is preseason, and it is the first preseason game. There will be some time for the starters but also time to evaluate talent. Remember, the process in preseason is more important than the outcome and actually winning the game.

But it will be good to have basketball back!