Miami Heat: Predicting starting lineup, sixth man, and closers

Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat reacts with Bam Adebayo #13 during the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Three of the 2020 NBA Finals(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat reacts with Bam Adebayo #13 during the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Three of the 2020 NBA Finals(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Duncan Robinson #55 of the Miami Heat reacts after being called for a foul against the Milwaukee Bucks(Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)

Miami Heat starting lineup this season: Kyle Lowry, Duncan Robinson, Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo; either Tyler Herro or PJ Tucker

The closing lineup Spoelstra chooses to roll out depends on what team the Heat are facing and what the in-game situation is. Depending on those factors, he could choose to go with either Tyler Herro or PJ Tucker.

As mentioned, all three of Lowry, Butler, and Adebayo should be on the floor in all clutch moments. They should be starting games and closing games.

Duncan Robinson falls under that same category, for the most part. His shooting is so crucial to Miami’s offense that he needs to be on the floor as much as possible.

That just leaves one spot left, and it should go to either Herro or Tucker. Each one provides a unique skillset that would be useful in certain scenarios.

If the Heat are down by a bit and need some baskets, Herro is the clear choice. He can create his own shot and also does well in catch-and-shoot situations.

However, if the Heat are up by a few points and need to get stops, Tucker is the one Spoelstra should go with. He’s a super disruptive defender who can guard multiple positions.

Either one would do well in the closing moments of a game. The Miami Heat have a very well-rounded roster, so the tough decisions are going to be up to Spoelstra.