PickALeague.com
FR

RoundupAtlanta Hawks logoAtlanta HawksCharlotte Hornets logoCharlotte HornetsDallas Mavericks logoDallas MavericksDenver Nuggets logoDenver NuggetsHouston Rockets logoHouston RocketsGolden State Warriors logoGolden State WarriorsMemphis Grizzlies logoMemphis GrizzliesMiami Heat logoMiami HeatMinnesota Timberwolves logoMinnesota TimberwolvesNew Orleans Pelicans logoNew Orleans PelicansOrlando Magic logoOrlando MagicPortland Trail Blazers logoPortland Trail BlazersSacramento Kings logoSacramento KingsToronto Raptors logoToronto RaptorsUtah Jazz logoUtah JazzWashington Wizards logoWashington WizardsLos Angeles Lakers logoLos Angeles LakersBrooklyn Nets logoBrooklyn Nets

Rough Miami debut for Giannis, Southeast Division roundup

Giannis and the Heat open with a blowout loss as Atlanta and Charlotte win and Orlando makes roster moves in the Southeast Division.

Share

By the PickALeague Newsroom · Published · Source: PickALeagueSummary written with AI assistance — how we workLire en français →

The Southeast Division’s first full night of action was defined by a rough start for Giannis and the Miami Heat, strong opening wins for the Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Hornets, and some notable contract decisions in Orlando and Miami’s front office.

Blowout opener raises early Heat questions

Miami’s new era with Giannis began with a thud in a 131-106 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. CBS Sports framed the blowout as an early warning sign that his first season in South Florida could be bumpy, noting that his new Heat teammates offered little support around their new star in the opener. The defeat drops Miami to 0-1 out of the gate.

There was at least one positive contract note in Miami. According to Hoops Rumors, citing Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel, veteran center Nick Richards remained on the roster through opening night, triggering a full guarantee on his 2026-27 salary. He’s now locked in for $3,066,143 on a minimum deal that will fully count against the Heat’s cap that season.

Hawks and Hornets start 1-0

The Atlanta Hawks opened their schedule with a 132-125 shootout win over the Orlando Magic. Atlanta moves to 1-0 in the Southeast, while Orlando falls to 0-1 after coming up short in a high-scoring contest.

In Charlotte, the Hornets also started on the right foot, beating the Brooklyn Nets 110-103 to move to 1-0. Around the league, CBS Sports highlighted the Anthony Edwards–LaMelo Ball pairing as thriving on opening night, underscoring the Hornets guard’s impact as Charlotte kicks off its season.

Magic lock in young core, Wizards idle at 1-0

Off the court, the Orlando Magic picked up their 2027-28 rookie scale team options on forward Tristan Da Silva and guard Jase Richardson, per Hoops Rumors, citing the Orlando Sentinel and a team release. The move signals Orlando’s intent to keep both young players in the fold on their current guaranteed deals.

The Washington Wizards were off but remain 1-0 in the standings alongside Atlanta and Charlotte. Elsewhere around the league, Hoops Rumors notes that former Lakers wing Dalton Knecht is drawing interest for a potential two-way deal from several teams, another reminder of ongoing depth moves even as the regular season tips off.

Source: PickALeague.

This article is an original synthesis and analysis by PickALeague based on reporting from the source credited above. AI tools assisted with drafting and editing.