Report: Heat not scheduled for Christmas game for 1st time since 2008
The Miami Heat don't seem to have the necessary star power to warrant a game on Christmas Day this year.
Although the 2016-17 NBA schedule has yet to be released, a preliminary schedule that has reportedly been circulating among several broadcast partners lists the Heat as having Dec. 25 off, according to the South Florida Sun Sentinel's Ira Winderman.
The schedule is subject to change prior to its release, which is expected to happen at some point this week.
It would be the first time since 2008 that the Heat didn't hit the hardwood the day Santa Claus comes to town. They currently possess the highest winning percentage of any team to have competed on that date at .833 (10-2).
Chris Bosh had a double-double of 30 points and 10 rebounds, while Dwyane Wade - who is now with his hometown Chicago Bulls - added 19 points, six boards, and four dimes as the Heat held on to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans at the American Airlines Arena last Christmas, 94-88.
It would make sense for the league to hold off on Wade's return until the huge ratings draw that is Christmas Day, but it looks like his only visit to South Beach will reportedly go down on Nov. 10 instead.