Q: Why would the NBA schedule a team right out for a trip after the All-Star break? – Andy.
A: Why not? That’s probably what the Heat are thinking. If you have to go on the road, there is something to be said about going on the road rested, in this case after an eight-day break. Plus, each of the first two games on the trip come with the opponent playing on the previous night and the Heat off. For example, the Heat get the Pelicans on Friday after New Orleans’ Thursday home game against Houston. And the Heat have two days off before playing the Kings on Monday, with the Kings at the Clippers on Sunday night. And even at the end of the trip, the Heat will be idle Wednesday night ahead of their Thursday night game in Denver, while the Nuggets will be hosting the Kings on Wednesday night. So that’s three rest-advantage games on a four-game trip. Only when the Heat complete their back-to-back with a Tuesday game in Portland will the Heat be at a rest disadvantage, with the Blazers idle on Monday.
Q: The Heat with Delon Wright have plenty of guards, including the two-way guys who don’t play. But tell me Ira, what about power forward? – Lawrence.
A: First, not a question you approach Erik Spoelstra about, who has gotten better on the subject, but still can be edgy when asked about something as germane as positions. And in today’s NBA, there is plenty to be said about getting your best players on the floor. Beyond that, the reality at the top of the standings, save, perhaps for the Bucks and Cavaliers, most East contenders are not necessarily playing big, or playing two big men at the same time. Still, now that Kevin Love essentially is solely a backup center and that Nikola Jovic is viewed more as a finesse factor, it is a legitimate question. For now, it seems like undersized Caleb Martin and Haywood Highsmith or bust.
Q: Terry Rozier is still out and Tyler Herro is questionable for Friday, so I can see a situation where Alondes Williams plays on this road trip. – Shmuel.
A: Still not so sure, considering an effort will be made to acclimate Delon Wright and considering Jimmy Butler is back in the mix. So, say, the Heat open with Bam Adebayo, Caleb Martin, Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson. That still would have Jaime Jaquez and Delon Wright available on the wing, perhaps even Haywood Highsmith, too. Now, if Tyler is out, then, yes, it would be one of Erik Spoelstra’s all-hands-on-deck nights. But considering Alondes remains with the Heat on his two-way deal and is not back with Sioux Falls, there is a chance.