Q: Orlando outrebounded Miami 49-32. Since the Heat are fighting to stay out of the play-in, why haven’t they been using 10-day contracts to try out players that could alleviate their size deficit? – Roger, North Lauderdale.
A: Because you can add all you want, but it doesn’t matter if they don’t get in the game. Erik Spoelstra continues to favor smaller players, and when you get in a situation like Saturday night against the Magic, when you’re playing from beyond, you are going to tend to go with more wings. But, yes, with Nikola Jovic out now for nearly a month, the lack of size is even more pronounced. And you are correct, that if they waive Terry Rozier, they could experiment with extra big bodies, as the Celtics are with their 10-day contract for Charles Bassey. As it is, the Heat were outscored by a game-worst 17 with Kel’el Ware on the floor Saturday, a night Spoelstra opened with his double-big lineup.
Q: Ira, I’m curious to see what Charlotte does in their revenge game against the Heat. – Sal.
A: Actually, the Heat could have a few revenge games coming up, considering there are two remaining against the Wizards, who did not exactly respect the way Bam Adebayo’s 83 played out. As for Tuesday in Charlotte, the Heat can’t make it anything more than a game they have to get, considering what follows over the next week-plus (Lakers, Rockets, Spurs, Cavaliers, Cavaliers).
Q: Dru Smith was playing so well, so why not play him over Myron Gardner on Saturday night? – Allison.
A: Myron Gardner is the Heat’s answer to caffeine, not necessarily a specific role or specific time amount, but rather a jolt when a jolt is needed, which certainly was the case in the first half against the Magic. That is not a slap to Dru Smith, who is more of a settling component, a player better utilized for a longer stretch.