Q: Ira, you advised us a lineup swap was coming Friday. It didn’t. But how are they going to play this lineup in opposition to the Bucks? – Elliott.
A: If you’re asking me if Max Strus goes to defend Giannis Antetokounmpo, I can’t see that. And, in fact, I can’t see him defending Brook Lopez, both. The Heat survived smallball in opposition to the Bulls, as a result of Chicago didn’t begin a real energy ahead. But that is actual, and I doubt Max’s taking pictures on one finish would compensate for what the Bucks’ size might/would do on the opposite. So, once more it will appear as if Caleb Martin would make beginning sense. Or maybe open with Kevin Love on Lopez and Bam Adebayo on Giannis. The downside with Bam or Jimmy Butler on Giannis from the outset is foul hassle that the Heat can not afford with both.
Q: Ira, I don’t thoughts the play-in, however shouldn’t there be a cutoff of a minimum of being a .500 group? – Marshall.
A: Initially, there was a requirement relating to information when the play-in first was instituted within the 2020 quarantine bubble in Disney. In that case, the ninth-place group needed to be inside 4 video games of the eighth-place group within the standings with a purpose to take part. So that 12 months, there was no play-in within the Eastern Conference, and only a single sport within the West. But even with out the play-in, the NBA for years has had sub.-500 groups within the playoffs. The Heat even as soon as made the playoffs with a dropping document, with their first playoff berth coming with a 38-44 document in 1992, But this 12 months, out of the 20 groups that a minimum of made the play-in, solely the Bulls and Thunder superior with dropping information, and in every case at 40-42. Now, each are gone. So it nonetheless took a minimum of .500 to advance.
Q: Thanks for the article on Nikola Jovic. I’m involved that any hope of him making a optimistic contribution within the common rotation subsequent 12 months was dashed by the delay in his improvement this 12 months. Maybe it’s extra cheap to search for that a number of years out. If he’s not traded first. – Morgan, New Orleans.
A: The phrase from contained in the locker room is that teammates see Nikola Jovic as an extremely expert prospect who might become one thing particular as soon as his physique fills out. Of course, he additionally might be a commerce chip, as Precious Achiuwa turned out to be, the offseason after he was drafted. Either manner, there’s a worth there, even with this season’s setback with the again spasms. The solely factor that might get in the way in which is that if the again situation is recognized as continual.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com