Deprived of Jimmy Butler, the Heat lost in Game 2 against the Knicks on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden. Now, the series is tied (1-1), and the next two meetings will take place in Florida.
Erik Spoelstra’s men have chained a lot in recent weeks, between the two play-in games and the very high intensity series against the Bucks. Logically, organisms suffer as wounds accumulate. Good news: Game 3 will take place on Saturday, four days after Game 2.
“Most of the year we played every other day” recalled Gabe Vincent. “Every time we have an extra day off, we take advantage of it. We welcome that. I know a lot of guys have kids and families and I’m glad they can spend time with them during this stressful time. But we’re going to recover, get treatment, whatever the guys need, and we’re looking forward to Game 3.”.
In addition to fatigue, Miami has to deal with injuries as well. The Floridians have already lost two soldiers in the battalion against Milwaukee: Tyler Herro, victim of a broken right hand, as well as Victor Oladipo, seriously injured in the knee. Do not forget those who play with physical glitches: we think of Bam Adebayo embarrassed in the hamstrings, or Kyle Lowry, who has suffered from his left knee since February.
“It’s going to be awesome” enthused Kyle Lowryabout the three days of rest. “But we have to focus on what we have to do and on the task at hand. They come here and they will do everything to regain home advantage. But we have to take advantage of the opportunity we have to be at home..
As for Jimmy Butler, who missed the last game with a sprained ankle, his status for Game 3 is still uncertain. Note that the match will take place six days after his initial injury, which occurred during Game 1.
“His body will let you know, I’ll let it know, he’ll let it know, the team will let it know” said Erik Spoelstra. “There is no way to predict it. But I’m glad we have a few more days off.”.
