Miami Heat: Most Intriguing Match-ups of the 2009-2010 Season

Over the course of the 2008-2009 regular season, the postseason and the off-season, the Heat developed a number of rivalries and have seen the revival of long lost enemies.

Not only that, but the one on one match-ups seen between Dwyane Wade and a number of other NBA stars always attract attention.

This past season has developed into a number of intriguing match-ups for the upcoming 2009-2010 season.

Miami vs. Washington Wizards, November 10th

This is not an interesting match-up to many outside the Heat and Wizards fan base, but it is the reemergence of a longtime division rivalry. The two teams have had battles since their inception in the Southeast division and it will be really interesting to see how the Wizards can finally play now that they have most of their starting lineup back from injury.

Over the past few years, the Heat have owned the Wizards in the regular season and the postseason, but with a new lease on life, the Wizards might be able to put an end to Miami's reign over Washington.

Miami vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, November 12th

Just a few days after their first look at the Wizards, the Heat will be able to get re-acquainted with old friends and new rivals. Miami will get their first look at Shaq as a Cavalier and be able to see another match-up between Dwyane Wade and LeBron James.

There has never been a dull moment between the two superstars as usually both will explode for huge games. The two teams have developed a rivalry thanks in part to Wade and James and this game will be no different when it comes to fireworks.

Miami at. Atlanta Hawks, November 18th

The Heat and Hawks didn't have one of the most intense rivalries of the NBA, but this past postseason, a heated rivalry arose between the two. Miami and Atlanta went seven games in the postseason and each game had tempers flaring. Going back to Atlanta to visit the Hawks will be no different from the past playoff series the two had as it will be highly heated game with plenty of emotions going around.

Miami at Orlando Magic, November 25th

The Magic have exhibited their dominance over the league and the Heat have not been excluded from that. Dwight Howard has taken advantage of the Heat's weakness at the center position, but that could change now with Jermaine O'Neal resting an injury over the off-season.

Dwyane Wade will not be able to light up the Magic like he used to as well, now with Vince Carter as the team's SG. The Heat will try to topple the Eastern conference champions with a healthier, well-rested team.

Miami at New York Knicks, December 25th

The Heat have had great match ups on Christmas usually against the LA Lakers to promote the Kobe-Shaq rivalry, but when Shaq left so did the Heat's usual Christmas appearance. But now the Heat are back in action and will face the Knicks on national TV.

Now the Heat-Knicks rivalry hasn't exactly been the same as it was in the 1990's, but there is plenty to see. Wade recently set a career high 55 points against New York last year and will be happy to light the Knicks up again on national TV this time.

Miami vs. LA Lakers, March 4th

Miami and Los Angeles are known for their close games and for the performances D-Wade and Kobe Bryant put on when they go head to head. This time Kobe and Wade's match up might not be the headline, it could be Lamar Odom's return back to Miami since rejecting the Heat's offer and returning to the Lakers.

The welcome he might get could be as frigid as anyone could receive. Odom was a hometown favorite when he joined the team in the 2004-2005 season, but this time Odom might want to think twice about teasing the Heat into a deal.

This 2009-2010 season might not be the most successful of seasons if the rookies don't grow up, but there will be match-ups to watch for not only the Heat community, but also for the rest of the NBA world to see Dwyane Wade's brilliance and the talent that this team can exhibit on a daily basis.