The Miami Heat began one of their longest road trips of the season with a strong start in Phoenix, but things didn’t go as planned, and now they move on to Denver for the second game of their six-game road trip on Friday night.
The Heat were ahead by 15 points in the third quarter against the Suns on Wednesday, but they lost 115-112. This marked their second straight loss and their third loss in the last four games, which has been a frustrating stretch. This might lead to some changes in the lineup.
According to the Miami Herald, the Heat’s starters have been outscored by 16.6 points per 100 possessions. In the second half on Wednesday, coach Erik Spoelstra decided to play Haywood Highsmith with the starting group instead of Nikola Jovic.
Highsmith scored 19 points and guarded Kevin Durant, allowing Bam Adebayo to focus on Jusuf Nurkic. Highsmith may continue to get minutes with the starters after not playing in two of the first six games.
“I’m used to this,” Highsmith said after the Phoenix loss. “Some games, I might not be in the rotation or I might be in the rotation. I’m always going to be ready no matter what.”
Jovic, who is a bigger player and a better scorer, has struggled with his three-point shooting this season, making only 30.8 percent of his attempts. He hopes to stay in the starting lineup.
“I really hope so because I really think I’m trying to help the first unit,” Jovic said. “But you never know. It is not an easy job. I really hope I’m back. If I’m not, there will be more chances. Last year was the same type of thing, so I know I’ll be back.”
The Heat may not need to use a big lineup against Denver since power forward Aaron Gordon will be out for multiple weeks with a right calf strain. Jamal Murray has also missed the last three games due to concussion protocol, and he’s questionable for Friday’s game.
The Nuggets have won three straight and five of their last six games, with the bench becoming a bigger factor. However, with two starters out, the rotation has changed. On Wednesday, Peyton Watson started at power forward and made a key block on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to help secure a two-point win over Oklahoma City.
Russell Westbrook, who signed in the offseason to lead the second unit, has been starting in place of Murray. He scored 21 points in one game and 29 in another, looking more comfortable in Denver’s system after eight games. Westbrook also had a block against Toronto on Monday that sealed the win.
“I’ve always told coach (Michael Malone) since day one, regardless of what happens I’m always laying it on the line,” Westbrook said.
“I always compete at the highest level and did everything to get an opportunity to get that. I am grateful for the opportunity and every time I step on the floor I will compete to the highest level.”
