Miami Heat vs. LA Lakers: 2025-26 NBA Season Opener Preview
The Miami Heat and the LA Lakers face off for the first time in the 2025-26 NBA season on Sunday at the Crypto.com Arena. The Heat come into this game having won three of their first five matchups, while the Lakers hold a 4-2 record after six games. Both teams have been experimenting with fluid starting lineups early in the season.
Projected Starting Lineups Tonight (Nov. 2)
Miami Heat Starting Lineup
The Heat are expected to start Davion Mitchell at point guard and Norman Powell at shooting guard. Andrew Wiggins is likely to maintain his role at small forward, with Bam Adebayo and Kel’El Ware rounding out the frontcourt.
If Norman Powell is unable to play, the lineup could mirror the one deployed in Thursday’s loss to the San Antonio Spurs, with Pelle Larsson stepping in for Powell.
Heat Potential Depth Chart vs. Lakers:
LA Lakers Starting Lineup
The Lakers are set to start Luka Doncic alongside Austin Reaves in the backcourt. Marcus Smart will handle the small forward duties, with Rui Hachimura at power forward and Deandre Ayton anchoring the center position.
Lakers Potential Depth Chart vs. Heat:
Injury Reports for November 2
Miami Heat Injury Report
The Heat have five players listed on their injury report:
- Tyler Herro: Out, recovering from foot and ankle surgeries.
- Terry Rozier: Out, currently on leave amid an NBA/FBI investigation.
- Vladislav Goldin: Out, currently assigned to the G League team.
- Kasparas Jakucionis: Out with a right groin strain.
- Norman Powell: Questionable due to a groin injury; has missed the last two games.
LA Lakers Injury Report
The Lakers also have five players on their injury list:
- Deandre Ayton: Probable, dealing with back spasms. He missed the second half of Friday’s win over Memphis but is expected to play.
- LeBron James: Out with sciatica; sidelined for at least two more weeks.
- Adou Thiero: Nursing a knee injury but progressing toward a return.
- Maxi Kleber: Out with an abdominal muscle strain.
- Gabe Vincent: Out with an ankle sprain.
Key Player Matchups to Watch
This Heat vs. Lakers matchup could be decided by several key player battles on the court.
Andrew Wiggins vs. Luka Doncic: Wiggins will have his hands full trying to contain superstar Luka Doncic. Doncic has been electric to start the season, averaging 45.3 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 7.7 assists on 58.4% shooting across three games. Wiggins’ ability to disrupt Doncic’s flow could dictate the game’s outcome.
Austin Reaves vs. Davion Mitchell: Reaves is off to a blazing start in his fifth NBA season, highlighted by a career-high 51-point performance on Sunday. He’s averaging a career-best 32.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 9.0 assists on 50.4% shooting (36.2% from beyond the arc). Mitchell’s physical defense may be crucial in limiting Reaves’ impact and giving the Heat a chance to control the backcourt battle.
Deandre Ayton vs. Bam Adebayo & Kel’El Ware: Another crucial matchup will be Ayton facing off against the Heat’s frontcourt duo. Adebayo has developed a reliable three-point shot, hitting 36.2% on a career-high 7.2 attempts per game. This ability to stretch the floor can pull Ayton away from the paint and open lanes for the Heat’s offense. Defensively, Ayton will be tasked with neutralizing Adebayo’s offensive versatility and managing the challenges posed by Ware inside.
Final Thoughts
Both teams have strong lineups and important players returning from injuries. The game could hinge on the effectiveness of defensive assignments and how well the players execute on both ends of the floor. Fans should expect a competitive and entertaining contest at the Crypto.com Arena as Miami and LA kick off their season rivalry.
