SEASON PREDICTIONS

Ira Winderman, Heat writer: 45-37

It will be a delicate dance between keeping an older roster ready for the playoffs and securing a high enough seed to avoid a repeat of last season’s 4-0 first-round sweep at the hands of the eventual champion Milwaukee Bucks. This is a team built for the playoffs, with the test to be how Erik Spoelstra maneuvers it through the regular season.

Dave Hyde, sports columnist: 48-34

In a league that cares less and less about the regular season, it will be interesting to see how this veteran Heat team views it. A lot of nice parts. Should finish third in the Eastern Conference. And if Kyrie Irving doesn’t return to the Nets and Milwaukee stumbles, who knows?

Kathy Laughlin, sports editor: 49-33

Adding six-time All-Star Kyle Lowry to the mix provides a strong foundation with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. If there is more consistency from perimeter threats Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson, the Heat can reclaim a spot as one of the more respected/feared teams in the league.

Keven Lerner, assistant sports editor: 46-36

The Heat are expected to make a deep playoff run and are determined not to open the postseason on the road. With a veteran roster that includes the addition of Kyle Lowry, the Heat finally found the missing piece to challenge any team in the East. But the Heat lack depth, especially at point guard, and have to hope they can stay healthy. The uncertain status of Brooklyn’s Kyrie Irving and Philadelphia’s Ben Simmons certainly helps.

Khobi Price, sports writer: 49-33

The Heat’s offseason changes should help them be a top-four seed in the East, depending on how they approach the regular season with the amount of veterans they have on their roster. They have the shooting, defensive prowess and playmakers to compete with most teams in the conference in a playoff setting. If Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro both take the next steps in their development like their preseason play suggests, the Heat will be a tough team to knock off for any team in the East.

LYNNE SLADKY/AP The Heat have high expectations with the acquisition of guard Kyle Lowry.