Dave Hyde

Sports Columnist

Prediction: 46-36

Comment: They're deep. They're well coached. They're pretty good. That adds up to a tough team to play in the regular season. Making the playoffs seems a given, but advancing deep in the postseason seems unlikely.





Ira Winderman

Heat Writer/Columnist

Prediction: 44-38

Comment: The upgrade in the standings will be subtle, similar to the offseason upgrade to the roster. While the start will be better, a similar finish is highly unlikely. And the Rodney McGruder injury cautions about any health assumptions.





Keven Lerner

Online Sports Editor

Prediction: 43-39

Comment: With the Heat retaining most of their players from a team that went 30-11 in the second half of last season, a .500 record and a playoff berth is a lock in the wide-open Eastern Conference. A big key, however, is Dion Waiters staying healthy.





Shandel Richardson

Heat Writer

Prediction: 42-40

Comment: The potential loss of Rodney McGruder for the season hurts, but a healthy Dion Waiters and Justise Winslow should help the team improve on last season's strong playoff push.

