Miami Heat: 5 predictions for the 2018-19 NBA season

MIAMI, FL - APRIL 21: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat looks on in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 21, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - APRIL 21: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat looks on in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 21, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
1 of 6
(Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)

Following a rather uneventful offseason period, here are five predictions for the Miami Heat for the upcoming 2018-19 season.

Although it certainly took some time, the Miami Heat finally had some cause for celebration as the 2018-19 season rapidly approaches.

With the re-signing of franchise legend Dwyane Wade, the Heat finally put an end to what was a rather underwhelming offseason. While they weren’t widely expected to land a big fish in free agency, the secondary expectation was for the Heat to shed some salary in order to open up the free agency market in the seasons to come.

However, with the contracts of Hassan Whiteside, Tyler Johnson and several others still remaining on the books, the Heat will have to do with what they have until any future possibilities arise.

By returning with a virtually identical roster to the one that compiled a 44-38 record and an eventual first round playoff exit, expectations have been somewhat stunted as the franchise enters its 31st season in the league.

However, with a suddenly wide open Eastern Conference, and host of players with a point to prove, there’s every chance the Heat could rise above what’s expected of them externally.

With this in mind, here are five predictions for the 2018-19 season.