Miami Heat to roll out shorthanded roster in regular season finale

The Miami Heat are preparing to play a shorthanded roster against the Indiana Pacers in the regular-season finale on Friday.

The Miami Heat will complete what has been one of the strangest seasons in sports ever on Friday when they take on the Indiana Pacers in the regular-season finale.

And to the surprise of few, they won’t be playing a number of their top guns. No matter tomorrow’s result, the Heat are locked into a first-round matchup with the Pacers.

With no home court, their finish in the Eastern Conference seedings is entirely relevant.

Ira Winderman reported Thursday afternoon that Miami is going to rest Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, among a number of other players:

Only nine Heat players didn’t make it onto the injury report for Friday’s game with Jae Crowder, Derrick Jones Jr, and Andre Iguodala also listed as questionable due to different ailments.

So what does this mean for the lineups and rotations?

For starters, expect to see Tyler Herro man the point guard position once again. He played that role in their weekend matchup against the Phoenix Suns on Saturday and stuffed the stat sheet: 25 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds in 35 minutes on the floor.

Kendrick Nunn? His role is less clear. The former starter for Miami could play next to Herro in the backcourt, or be forced into a sixth man role off of the bench, given Duncan Robinson is available.

One last hoorah for Udonis Haslem? Potentially. Unless there’s a circumstance like an injury or Miami takes a commanding lead, it’s hard to see him getting run in the playoffs.

But as one of nine to ten players available for the Pacers game, it’s a given that he’ll see time on the floor. Consider it a treat Heat fans. His storied career is likely ending after this season.

Friday’s game also leaves open an opportunity for Kyle Alexander, who’s suited up for Miami just once this season outside of a lengthy G-League presence. The 23-year old forward traveled with the team to Orlando and isn’t listed on the injury report, so brace for an unfamiliar face.

And as he did last game, expect Chris Silva to see significant playing time. He made a more brief appearance in Wednesday’s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, tallying eight points, five rebounds, and an assist in 13 minutes on the floor.

Overall, it’s safe to expect a sloppy four quarters of basketball. The Pacers have yet to announce who they will and won’t be playing against the Heat but expect them to rest some guys as well.

The Miami Heat’s first season with Jimmy Butler at the helm was an absolute success. They’ll close it out on Friday against the Indiana Pacers, as they prepare for a potential seven-game series against the very same opponent starting as early as next week.

Tip-off is at 4:00 pm est, and coverage will be provided by NBA League Pass.