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ASK IRA: How will Erik Spoelstra deal from a full Heat deck?

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Q: Ira, with everyone back, give us your Heat rotation. — Wes.

A: Well, with Caleb Martin still out with his hyperextended left knee, not everyone is back. So that still makes it difficult to pinpoint where this might be headed, especially since Caleb can factor into several roles, from power forward to shooting guard. I still believe Erik Spoelstra sticks with Bam Adebayo, P.J. Tucker, Jimmy Butler, Duncan Robinson and Kyle Lowry as his starters. Duncan’s 3-point percentage has been on the upswing, so the staff likely continues to ride that curve. So, from there, let’s presume Spoelstra sticks with his typical nine-man rotation in the playoffs. As stated here before, Tyler Herro is locked in as sixth man and Dewayne Dedmon, if only for his experience, is your backup center. That is, of course, if a backup center is utilized. So, for now, I would presume the other two rotation players as Victor Oladipo and Caleb. Now, the Oladipo element could change if Victor hits a wall. And the Martin element could be impacted if Markieff Morris shows something over the top in his limited remaining opportunities. But, most likely, Morris, Max Strus and Gabe Vincent will be called upon only when needed, with Omer Yurtseven potentially to step in if Adebayo or Dedmon is out.

Q: Ira, please. Why is it that you and other Heat apologists (myself included) refuse to acknowledge that Markieff Morris is the one that caused his own problem with his health? You and almost all other print and media journalists are seemingly blind to or refuse to recognize the fact that Morris initiated the contact that started his problem. Why do you continue to vilify Nikola Jokic. We all saw what happened. This was all brought on by Morris, and he has paid the price. Is it possible that you and your friends admit that a Heat player caused a problem, and he has and is paying the price for his decision? —Bernell, Miami.

A: There is absolutely no question that if Markieff Morris did not commit his over-the-top “take” foul in a game already long decided that there never would have been a Part II (Nikola Jokic’s retaliation). But that doesn’t mean that the response, particularly the level of the response, was warranted. There is over-the-top, and then there is over-the-over-the-top. The reality is that Markieff’s previous history in such situations is why he was fined $50,000 for his part in the incident. He was not an innocent party. But the result of Nikola’s actions does make it an incident that merits castigation. Part I (Morris) was reckless. I agree. Part II (Jokic) was dangerous. That part simply cannot be overlooked. The action did not warrant the reaction. That is the point being made. But, to your point, yet, there were no innocent parties.

Q: Ira is the success of Gabe Vincent, Max Strus and Caleb Martin getting to Duncan Robinson? All three are earning significantly less and seriously outplaying him. Human nature says he may be feeling the pressure. — Jim, Blythewood, N.C.

A: No.

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