Free extension for sports fans
Advertisement
Advertisement

Southeast Notes: Portis, Giannis, Spoelstra, Knueppel, Dybantsa, Magic

The Heat acquired plenty of talent during the offseason, but the new-look roster only has two wins in its first seven games, Ira Winderman of The Sun-Sentinel writes in a subscriber-only piece. The blockbuster trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo hasn’t paid…

Published: Thursday, 5 November 2026 at 3:00 AM
Southeast Notes: Portis, Giannis, Spoelstra, Knueppel, Dybantsa, Magic
Key Things to Know
  • The Miami Heat are working to integrate Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis amid a 2-5 start to the season.
  • Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra emphasized that team adjustments must happen immediately following the slow opening stretch.
  • Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel exited his season debut after less than six minutes due to left leg soreness.
The Story in 60 Seconds

The Miami Heat are navigating early-season adjustments following their blockbuster acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo, opening the season with a 2-5 record. Teammate Bobby Portis noted that building chemistry alongside a superstar takes time, while head coach Erik Spoelstra stated that the team must make immediate adjustments. Despite the slow start, Antetokounmpo has averaged 28.4 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists across his first seven appearances with Miami.

Elsewhere in the Southeast Division, Charlotte Hornets player Kon Knueppel exited his season debut against Brooklyn due to left leg soreness. Meanwhile, Washington Wizards rookie AJ Dybantsa has had his minutes restriction lifted after recovering from a preseason ankle sprain, joining Anthony Davis and Deandre Ayton in a rare lineup featuring three overall No. 1 draft picks.

Advertisement

Never Miss a Sports Update

Get the latest sports news and top stories from MySportsTab delivered straight to your inbox.

No spam. Just the latest sports news and updates.