Getty
Simone Fontecchio of the Miami Heat.
The Miami Heat received some good news from forward Simone Fontecchio, who missed the team’s final game of the regular season on Sunday due to a left ankle injury.
The Heat dominated the Atlanta Hawks 143-117 to earn some momentum ahead of their NBA Play-In Tournament matchup against the Charlotte Hornets. Jaime Jaquez Jr. led the way with 26 points and five assists off the bench.
Bam Adebayo and Norman Powell scored 25 points each, while Kel’el Ware added 16 points and seven rebounds.
Fontecchio Opens Up About His Future
GettySimone Fontecchio #0 of the Miami Heat controls the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Kaseya Center on November 12, 2025 in Miami, Florida.
The Heat acquired Fontecchio from the Detroit Pistons in the offseason in exchange for Duncan Robinson. He averaged 8.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 70 games this season. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Speaking to Sky Italia, Fontecchio delivered some good news to the Heat and its fanbase. He wants to stay in South Beach and continue playing for the franchise.
“I’d love to, but we all know how the business works here, and nothing is really a given,” Fontecchio said, via BasketNews. “For the first time, however, I’ll be an unrestricted free agent, so I too can choose my own future. I’d love to stay here.”
The Italian forward added, “I wouldn’t want to move my family again because we’re great in Miami, and just as importantly, I feel really comfortable with everyone here, from the owners to the coaching staff, and especially in this locker room, which is special because of the group it’s created. I’ll talk to the club at the end of the season, but my hope is to stay here.”
Fontecchio was very critical of how he performed in his first season in a Heat uniform. He had his ups and downs, starting the season pretty well before a drop-off in December. He understood why he lost his minutes to Tyler Herro, who returned from injury, but he remains pretty happy in Miami.
Heat vs. Hornets NBA Play-In Preview
GettyTyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat goes to the basket while guarded by Brandon Miller #24 of the Charlotte Hornets in the second half during their game at Spectrum Center on March 06, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The Heat are set to visit the Hornets at the Spectrum Center on April 14 for the first game of the 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament. The winner of this contest moves on to the next round and face the loser of the Philadelphia 76ers–Orlando Magic matchup to determine the No. 8 seed for the playoffs.
That team gets the Pistons in the first round of the postseason.
Despite having the worse record than the Hornets, the Heat won the season series 3-1. They dominated the Hornets in the first three meetings, with an average margin of victory of 17.7 points. Their biggest win was a 144-117 victory on October 28.
On the other hand, the Hornets dominated the final matchup of the campaign on March 17. They won by 30 points, 136-130. The Hornets are also one of the best teams since the All-Star break, with a record of 18-9.
Juan Paolo David Juan Paolo David is a sports journalist covering basketball for Heavy. He has a decade of experience writing about the NBA and WWE. He’s currently based in the Philippines. More about Juan Paolo David
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