Miami Heat: 2017-18 NBA season preview

Best-case scenario

While a repeat of their 30-11 pace, equivalent to a 60-win season, is a significant stretch, a 50-win season would be closer to a realistic best-case scenario.

Whereas the beginning of last season was spent with the players acclimating with one another due to such a high roster turnover, this year’s team has no excuse not to hit the ground running. While part of the Heat’s 11-30 start to last season was due to a complete lack of cohesion, they also had to deal with a high volume of injuries that further hurt the acclimation process.

At present, the Heat have a full healthy roster as they prepare for the regular season. In a best-case scenario, having this continue throughout the season, combined with the increased familiarity of the group, would assist greatly in the Heat reaching the lofty 50-win target.

Worst-case scenario

While it’s highly unlikely, a return to the form of their dreadful first half of last season is an absolute worst-case scenario. For this to occur, not only would multiple key players need to go down with injury, but a number of players would have to regress on the promise they showed last year.

After all, many players still have question marks in terms of whether they can reach a new level of play. Can Justise Winslow develop a jump-shot? Has James Johnson reached his peak? How will Dion Waiters respond after landing a hefty contract?

These questions remain unanswered. If the Heat don’t receive a favorable response from these and many others, the 2017-18 season could produce a second consecutive non-playoff appearance.