Miami Heat Schedule

Twenty years ago, they didn't even play basketball in Florida, but now fans all across the state eagerly anticipate the annual release of the Miami Heat schedule. Not bad for a team that only joined the NBA in 1988, but those first 17 seasons have been successful ones on the whole. They have produced five division titles and have witnessed several exceptionally talented players don the red and black jerseys. Their first playoff appearance came in 1992, with Steve Smith and Rony Seikaly leading the way. They would became a fixture in the playoffs during the mid-to-late 1990s, with players like Alonzo Morning, Tim Hardaway, and Jamal Mashburn helping to lead the team all the way to the Eastern Conference title series in 1997. In 2004-05, the Heat became championship contenders again after acquiring center Shaquille O'Neal from the L.A. Lakers. Shaq joined forces with second-year emerging star Dwyane Wade to lead Miami back to the Eastern Conference Finals. Look for them to take the next step within the next few years.

Highlights of the 2005 Miami Heat Schedule

This year's Miami Heat schedule features many notable match-ups and events that fans should be aware of. Opening night at AmericanAirlines Arena will be held on Thursday, November 3 against the Indiana Pacers. The Heat will honor Florida football legend Dan Marino, a Hall of Fame quarterback from the NFL's Miami Dolphins, during halftime of a November 7 contest. On Christmas Day, December 25, the Heat will host O'Neal's former team, Los Angeles, and the Minnesota Timberwolves come to town for a game on New Year's Day. On February 12, they will play host to the Detroit Pistons in a rematch of last season's Eastern Conference Finals, and six times the season, starting with their December 11 game against the Washington Wizards, Miami will wear throwback uniforms for the first time ever. In those six home contests, Heat players will wear the 1971-72 jerseys of the ABA's Miami Floridians.