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Miami Heat: Will Dion Waiters start? Hot factors vs. Los Angeles Clippers

By Trey Flynn

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 08: Dion Waiters #11 of the Miami Heat in action against the Denver Nuggets at American Airlines Arena on January 8, 2019 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 08: Dion Waiters #11 of the Miami Heat in action against the Denver Nuggets at American Airlines Arena on January 8, 2019 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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The 22-23 Miami Heat are coming off a 107-99 loss to the Boston Celtics, hoping to get back into basketball shape against the Los Angeles Clippers Wednesday night.

As the Miami Heat lost to a Kyrie Irving-led Boston Celtics on Monday night, they are hoping to step it up come Wednesday as they play another playoff foe in the Los Angeles Clippers.

However, in that Celtics game, we saw a frustrated Heat team that may be moving on from their past December lineups to a team led by Dion Waiters.

The well-established Ira Winderman from Sun Sentinel illustrated frustrations surrounding this Heat teams roster and their hope of moving on from their old lineups from these illuminating quotes:

"“In the wake of the latest failure of the first five, power forward James Johnson acknowledged that the unit could be forcing the hand of coach Erik Spoelstra.“We’re putting Coach in a position to have to be a coach and make those decisions,” he said, as the Heat turned their attention to Wednesday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers at AmericanAirlines Arena. “You’ve got to understand that if something’s not working, then it’s what’s best for the team and not what’s best for you.“If he shakes it up and changes the lineup, all of us believe in each other, and that would be the perfect time to show it, lift your guys, and give your guys all the energy and see where it goes from there.”"

Johnson is alluding to the fact the Heat are 8-5 with their new rotation since the Goran Dragic injury, but in their past 4 games they are 1-3, treading normalcy as they slowly fall out of the playoff seeding (currently 7th).

Head Coach Erik Spoelstra needs to decide if the Heat should change up the roster as they play a hot LA Clippers team, as the Clipps are trying to secure a playoff spot as well, most known for their grit and depth.

The Clipps are hoping to take advantage of the mediocre Heat with their three-headed offensive monster in Tobias Harris, Lou Williams and Danilo Gallinari. Luckily for Miami, Gallinari and Williams are doubtful for the game coming up and It is quite possible that Miami turns to the infamous Waiters to help their constant struggles on the offensive end, as Waiters is feeling himself lately, scoring 18 points in 25 minutes against Boston.

Waiters’ had this to say about him not getting more minutes or time as a starter:

"Back three weeks from the extended rehab after last January’s ankle surgery, Waiters said he is capable of starter’s minutes.“I think so. I can. Yeah. Hell, yeah,” he said. “I feel like if I get out there, get my body right, coming in get my body right, get loose, get going, absolutely. I think I can play it.”He took a step forward in terms of endurance by playing all 12 minutes of Monday’s second quarter, turning a 12-point deficit into a halftime tie.“I felt kind of good,” he said. “You learn how to catch your breath here and there. You learn how to do that. It’s not pacing yourself. You get opportunities, you see what’s going on, you see how things are going, and a lot of time you pace yourself just knowing what’s coming next, or what’s going on. And during timeouts, that’s when you gather yourself. Once I get my second wind, I’ll be fine.”"

Ultimately, the Heat are going to have to try and do something to get out of the funk they have been in. And while I don’t necessarily agree with the attitude of Waiters, his offensive abilities are desperately needed.

The problem with Waiters’ is ironically the best part of him, his personality seems to be what makes him a good player, but also what keeps him down as an inconsistent role player/starter in this league. An overbearing ego can hold a lot over a team, unless of course, it is needed for a team to survive like the Heat may need right now.

As for projected lineups and injuries going into Monday night, look no further.

Miami Heat Projected Starting Lineup:

Injuries:  PG, Goran Dragic will be OUT

Los Angeles Clippers Projected Starting Lineup:

  • PG, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
  • SG, Patrick Beverley
  • SF, Avery Bradley
  • PF, Tobias Harris
  • C, Montrezl Harrell

Injuries: PF, Danilo Gallinari OUT; PG, Lou Williams QUEST; PF, Luc Mbah A Moute OUT

Next. The Good, Bad and Miami Heat Culture. dark

Obviously, if Gallinari and Williams are indeed out going into Wednesday night, the Heat have a good chance against an injury riddled Clippers team. However, I do not think Spo will take the chance on starting Waiters’, as I do not believe that Spo thinks he deserves that position, nor is he ready for it.

The past comments from Waiters’ that got him fined probably doesn’t help the questions surrounding his starting position or minutes moving forward either.

Tune in to see the Clippers play the Heat in Miami on Wednesday night at 7:30 PM Eastern.

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