--Rebounds could be an issue. The Heat has very little size after C Mark Blount (7 feet) and C Jamaal Magloire (6-11), neither of whom is expected to lead the team in rebounds. The main rebounders -- F Udonis Haslem, F Michael Beasley, F Shawn Marion -- are all about 6-foot-8.
Throw in F James Jones and F Yakhouba Diawara, and the height doesn't change. The Heat doesn't think it's a major concern because of its athleticism and concept of team rebounding.
"We have some very good 6-8 rebounders on our team," Spoelstra said.
--Miami's new up-tempo offense has been slow to develop mostly because of injuries. But a lack of talent could be a factor, too. The Heat averaged just 93.7 points per game through its first three preseason games and was shooting just .424 from the field.
"Definitely right now I think the defense is ahead of the offense," Spoelstra said, "but that's to be expected considering the (defensive) focus during training camp."
--G Shaun Livingston has been impressive in practice, according to coaches and players, but no one knows when he'll be game ready. The best estimates are late November or December. The Heat signed the athletic 6-foot-7 point guard mainly for his passing and play-making abilities.
MAIN REASON HEAT CAN WIN: Dwyane Wade. If he stays healthy (he's missed at least 20 games three times in his five-year career; he's missed 31 each of the last two years) the Heat can make the playoffs. He's playing that well. The overall talent is iffy, but a healthy Wade could carry this team to postseason.
MAIN REASON HEAT CAN LOSE: Depth. The Heat has a collection of talent but not many NBA-proven players. Its margin of error is razor-thin and that could ultimately be its undoing.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "The turnovers obviously are a major concern."
-- Coach Erik Spoelstra, after Miami averaged 23.3 turnovers per game in its first three preseason games.
