2016 NBA Predictions: A look at each team in the league

Oct 18, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) talk during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) talk during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Miami Heat

Oct 21, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) controls the ball around Philadelphia 76ers forward Richaun Holmes (22) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Philadelphia 76ers defeat the Miami Heat 113-110. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 21, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) controls the ball around Philadelphia 76ers forward Richaun Holmes (22) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Philadelphia 76ers defeat the Miami Heat 113-110. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Gone are the days where the Miami Heat were instant contenders with their “Big 3”.

As it stands now, Lebron James just brought a championship back to Cleveland, Dwayne Wade made way for Chicago, and Chris Bosh is dealing with health issues that are keeping him away from the game.

Not how most folks, if anybody, saw that fairy tale going, but it is what it is.

Hassan Whiteside had a chance to go elsewhere, but the Heat kept him in town to the tune of $98 million.

Surprisingly, the Heat had just as good of a shot-stopping defense as the Cavaliers, allowing under 100 points per game (98.4).

Things got hectic towards the end of last season, as Miami saw themselves survive a three-way tie for their division with Charlotte and Atlanta.

Both the Hawks and Hornets are going to come into this season with a chip on their shoulder, and it’s hard to see the Heat really holding their own this time around.

Justise Winslow has plenty of room to grow, but that won’t do much in the Heat’s favor since they lack in starpower outside of Hassan Whiteside and Goran Dragic.

Eric Spoelstra is going to have his hands full if he hopes to compete.

Season Prediction: (38-44), 5th in Southeast