Q: As we approach the playoffs, I wonder depending on the matchup if Erik Spoelstra elects not to play Dewayne Dedmon when Bam Adebayo is out, but rather run with a smaller line up and make use of P.J. Tucker as a backup center allowing Victor Oladipo and Max Strus to play during those minutes. Just wondering your thoughts if that is something we might see? — Hannah, Miami.

A: Based on the Heat’s depth of talent on the wing, that certainly could be a consideration as a means of creating playing time to meet the needs of the depth of Jimmy Butler, Kyle Lowry, Duncan Robinson, Victor Oladipo, Caleb Martin and perhaps even Gabe Vincent and Max Strus. Strus certainly stated his case for at least a nibble in admirably filling in Friday night for Martin. And Dewayne Dedmon certainly has found it to be a struggle lately, including fouling out in 13:57 on Friday night. But the opponent will have plenty of say in regard to whether the Heat might downsize. It was one thing on Friday night with a Cavaliers team lacking Jarrett Allen. But last season’s playoff series against the Bucks showed clearly that size still matters.

Q: The Heat really need Markieff Morris back for the playoffs to mitigate their lack of size. — Joel.

A: It certainly would help. But I’m not sure I would necessarily consider Markieff Morris as “size.” Against most opponents, the Heat still would be undersized at power forward when playing Markieff at the four. Soon, though, perhaps very soon, the Heat again should have an opportunity to size up that situation. As has been the case with Victor Oladipo, the Heat need to get a ready before the game get even more significant.

Q: Ira, looking at the standings, the Heat may be better off slipping to either third to face either Cleveland or Toronto than face Brooklyn in the first round. I would hate to see them slip to fourth and have to play the red-hot Celtics. — Joel.

A: I don’t see a fall to fourth. But I do see No. 3 as a safe spot to avoid Brooklyn in the first round. The question then becomes a willingness to, say, play against the 76ers and Bucks the next two rounds as the road team, if you do play for No. 3. At the moment, No. 3 looks like it would get Cleveland or Toronto in the first round, seemingly a safer path than facing the Nets in the opening round.

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