Q: I thought the playoffs are a time when everyone plays, even if they’re hurt. Given Kyle Lowry’s age and remaining contract, could you see his contract in play in the offseason (along with Duncan Robinson)? – Brian.

A: No, because that is why Kyle Lowry only received a three-year contract in the first place, with teams in last summer’s free agency mindful of his age (he turned 36 in March). So now two years remain, which means that in the first year of Tyler Herro’s extension (2023-24), Kyle will be in the final year of his contract. Again, as previously stated, the Heat’s goal is to get the 16 playoff wins necessary for a championship, not just the four needed in this Eastern Conference semifinal. So better, at the moment, to err on the side of caution when it comes to Kyle’s hamstring strain not becoming a full-fledged hamstring tear. Although he certainly was moving well on the sideline Monday, as he coached/cheered.

Q: In your opinion, is the redundancy between Jimmy Butler and Victor Oladipo’s game on the court similar to LeBron James and Dwyane Wade? The latter still made it work despite not being floor spacers themselves. — Chris, Vancouver.

A: I’m not sure we should be comparing Hall of Fame talent to Jimmy Butler and Victor Oladipo at this stage, particularly with Victor still working his way back. Even for Dwyane Wade, learning to thrive off the ball was an extended process. As it is, Victor has barely been back for two months. At this stage, learning his body is far more of a priority for Victor than learning a career-altering role. Plus, the reality is that if Victor does move on in free agency to a larger contract than the Heat can offer, it likely will be with another team still viewing him as able to thrive while being ball dominant. You could see Monday that the spacing when Victor and Jimmy were on the court together simply wasn’t there. It actually was better with Tyler Herro, with Tyler able to space to the 3-point line.

Q: After Bucks-Celtics Game 1, do you still see Milwaukee as the better matchup? I think Jrue Holiday has changed all that. And that starting lineup is big. Given Boston’s similarities to Miami, we are actually even smaller. We can expect the same, no? – Michael, Miami Springs.

A: First, we’re just one game, one Bucks victory, into Milwaukee-Boston, so let’s not rush to conclusions. But at no point was anyone downplaying the Bucks, only that the Heat seemingly have had more trouble against the Celtics. There is no “better” matchup in the Eastern Conference finals. Only increasing challenges.

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