Q: In what world is Pelle Larsson better than Kel’el Ware? – Eddie.

A: The short answer is: In Erik Spoelstra’s world, when it comes to rounding out his starting lineup, getting a needed balance with shooting, defense and attacking. Look, this notion of the best five starting is not only overrated, but historically inaccurate, with Exhibit A being Marc Iavaroni and his role with the 76ers and Kurt Rambis and his role with the Lakers (look it up, kids), with both of those rosters of championship pedigree. Even the Heat have done it before (hello, Luke Babbitt). Look, Joel Anthony started for Erik Spoelstra and few (if any) would consider him a greater talent than Kel’el Ware. Now, if the Heat start losing with Pelle Larsson as starter, then you move on to what else you think works. Also, keep in mind that Erik Spoelstra’s regular-season starters have not already been his playoff starters.

Q: Ira, have injuries in this league always been so pronounced? We know we’re not seeing Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee on Tuesday night and might not see Embiid when we play the Sixers on Thursday. – Cal.

A: It’s all about how the regular-season mindset has changed. For example: Michael Jordan at age 39 in Washington, 82 games in 2002-03; Michael Jordan at age 34 in Chicago, 82 games in 1997-98.  Now you have the Bucks wanting Giannis Antetokounmpo either fully over his calf issue for a run to the play-in, or sitting the rest of the way for a run at the lottery. Now you have Joel Embiid sitting out as many regular-season games as needed in order to be ready as best as possible for the playoffs. The league-wide middle finger to the regular season has never been more evident. It almost has become that it’s headline material when a team is fully healthy and willing to go into a game with a complete roster.

Q: This idea that we tank is out of control. Why would you wear a Heat emblem and deal with the embarrassment that you’re a trash team? We believe in being that team that despite the odds, we can come out alive. Last time we were awful we got rewarded with who: Justise Winslow? Michael Beasley? I’d rather have the idea of the magic of a Game 7 in Boston victory than hoping for a ping-pong ball to go our way and likely not.  – Dim, Philadelphia.

A: If you didn’t know better, you might have thought this was from Pat in Miami.