Q: Ira, this is exactly what Erik Spoelstra does best, game plan against one player. Bring on Trae Young. — David.

A: But it’s easier to game plan against one player when there isn’t a solid supporting cast in place, which the Hawks have with the shooting of Bogdan Bogdanovic, Danilo Gallinari, Keven Huerter and assorted other Atlanta weapons. Actually, the Heat have prided themselves on their elite, one-on-one defenders. So this also could be a case when Jimmy Butler, Kyle Lowry and Caleb Martin will have to step forward, as well as Bam Adebayo on all those switches out to the perimeter. This is not like the more singular challenge the Heat would have had against the Cavaliers’ Darius Garland. So not quite sold that Trae gets the full Jeremy Lin treatment.

Q: Ira, we need attacking Kyle Lowry against the Hawks. He has to try to get Trae Young in foul trouble. — Sam.

A: Perhaps, but I’m not sure that Kyle Lowry is exactly one to create one-on-one foul trouble. Beyond that, the Hawks are going to look to park Trae Young defensively on the cover of least resistance. So that well could have him defending Max Strus at the outset, staying attached on the perimeter to Strus, who doesn’t figure to create foul problems. Now, if the Heat, say, sub in Caleb Martin for Max, then it could get challenging when it comes to hiding Trae on the defensive end.

Q: I’d like to understand why you defend Duncan Robinson so strongly, especially when Victor Oladipo is mentioned. It’s almost a disgrace to say he doesn’t have a spot in this rotation. If anyone is in question, it should be Duncan and even Gabe Vincent to take the back seat. Oladipo is simply a natural talent. —Marc, Arlington, Texas.

A: He is. But what I defend is the type of spacing that creates the optimal scoring palette for Jimmy Butler, Kyle Lowry, Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. Those are the priority players. Everyone else supports. And, to this point, we have yet to see moments where Victor works successfully in support. Then again, Erik Spoelstra has been in the lab for a full week, so who knows?

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