David Ramiland Wes Goldberg here, the hosts of the daily Locked On Heat podcast, with your daily Locked On Heat newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Heat and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Miami Heat’s Struggles Against the Suns: A Closer Look
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) drives against Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) during the second half at Footprint Center.|Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
In the latest episode of Locked On Heat, the hosts dive into Miami’s recent loss to the Phoenix Suns, analyzing what went wrong and what changes might be on the horizon. Here’s a breakdown of the main points discussed in the first 20 minutes:
- Game Recap: The Heat lost to the Suns, 115-112, despite leading by 15 points in the third quarter. Miami got some unexpected contributions from reserve players but Kevin Durant’s performance was pivotal, scoring 32 points, including crucial shots in the fourth quarter. Durant’s ability to score at ease seemed to underscore Miami’s lack of a true superstar.
- Bam Adebayo’s Struggles: Adebayo had a tough game, shooting just 5-of-21 from the floor for a total of 12 points. He struggled against Suns center Jusuf Nurkic, missing several shots in the restricted area and appearing passive throughout the game.
- Final Possession Issues: The Heat’s last possession was poorly executed, with Terry Rozier making a bad pass to Jimmy Butler, who then failed to get a shot off. The blame was shared between Rozier’s pass and Butler’s indecision, although head coach Erik Spoelstra could share some of the blame for what looked like a poorly designed play that didn’t get an easy look for shooters like Tyler Herro or Duncan Robinson.
- Potential Lineup Changes: The discussion included whether Haywood Highsmith should replace Nikola Jovic in the starting lineup. Highsmith showed promise with his defensive efforts against Durant and his offensive contributions, and started the third quarter in place of Jovic.
- Kel’el Ware’s Performance: Rookie Ware got some playing time, showing potential with his defensive presence and a made three-pointer. However, his future role remains uncertain, especially with Kevin Love’s return on the horizon. Ware also looked somewhat unsure of what he should do out on the floor, although increased playing time could help gain the experience that he needs to be a productive player.
- Concerns About Terry Rozier: Rozier’s offensive struggles were highlighted, with his shooting percentages being a primary issue. However, without another viable option currently on the roster and with no potential trades on the horizon, Rozier seems likely to continue as a starter, at least for now.
- Overall Team Outlook: Despite the loss, the hosts believe the Heat will remain competitive in the Eastern Conference, though they acknowledge the need for their stars to step up against top-tier opponents.
The Heat will to bounce back from yet another tough loss when they face Denver this Friday. Will Highsmith earn a starting role? Does Ware continue playing in the rotation? We’ll have answers soon enough, as Miami looks to keep pace in the East during what a challenging road trip.
We’re about 10% of the way through the season, which means we’ve seen enough of the rookie class to make iron-clad judgments on them that will never change. First impression, last impression.
Kidding, of course; sample sizes are still small, and both we and the debutants themselves are learning a ton. Watching this class take their first baby-giraffe steps in the league has been a blast, so I’ve selected four rookies worth discussing.
1) Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies
Edey’s performance has been predictably up-and-down. On the one hand, he’s started to figure out how to defend without fouling. After infamously fouling out in just 15 minutes in his NBA debut, Edey hasn’t accrued more than three infractions in any of his last six games (although he did pick up three in just 15 minutes last night). Opponents are shooting just 55.6% against him at the rim, a better number than Anthony Davis or Rudy Gobert, and they take fewer attempts at the rim when he’s on the court. There’s a slight deterrence factor already at play.
Edey had a game where he went 11-for-12 from the field, but most of his damage has been done on putbacks and dump-offs. He has only generated 13 points on his 21 post-up possessions, a terrible mark, and his beloved hook shot has abandoned him.
Most peculiarly, a man I predicted might lead the league in screen assists has not been nearly as impactful a screener as I expected. Part of that is the Grizzlies leaning a bit away from the pick-and-roll-centric attack they’ve heavily featured in the past, and part is on some junior-high-school-level chemistry with Ja Morant (see here, where Edey whiffs on the screen and then can’t get to the lob quick enough). That said, he’s already mastered the rolling Gortat screen, a key tool for creating space for Morant. Now, he just needs more reps.
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Replay A disastrous final play leads to another heartbreaking loss for the Miami Heat against the Phoenix Suns. (Sports Illustrated)
Personnel Owen Phillips of The F5 examines whether a coach can translate their styles between different teams. For example, what trends and principles has Kenny Atkinson instilled in the Cavaliers that we first saw in his Nets tenure?
Analysis ESPN’s Kevin Pelton looks at some early trends, such as the impact Jeremy Sochan’s injury might have on Victor Wembanyama’s offense, the Thunder defense, and more.
Must Read Joseph Casciaro and Joe Wolfond of theScore have 10 observations on the young season, including a look at the Bulls’ blistering pace, KAT’s defensive issues, and much more.
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Zaccharie Risacher’s Big Night Brings Fantasy Basketball Questions
Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (10) shoots over New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) during the second half at State Farm Arena.|Photo by Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
In the world of fantasy basketball, player performances can fluctuate wildly, and Wednesday’s games were no exception. While Zach Edey had previously dazzled fans with a standout performance against the Nets, his recent outing was less than stellar. Facing tougher competition, Edey managed just eight points and seven rebounds in 15 minutes. This game served as a reminder that while Edey has potential, consistency is key, and fantasy managers should be cautious about overcommitting to him based on a single strong performance.
On the flip side, Zaccharie Risacher delivered a performance that turned heads and could have significant fantasy implications. Starting for the Atlanta Hawks, Risacher exploded for 33 points, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks. His shooting was on point, and he contributed across multiple categories, making him a hot commodity in fantasy leagues. With De’Andre Hunter still sidelined, Risacher’s role in the starting lineup seems secure for now, and his ability to fill the stat sheet makes him a valuable asset.
Risacher’s breakout game highlights the importance of monitoring player roles and opportunities. While his previous performances were inconsistent, this game showcased his potential when given the chance. Fantasy managers should consider adding Risacher, especially if he continues to see significant minutes and usage.
As always, staying updated on player performances and team dynamics is crucial for fantasy success. Keep an eye on how these players develop in the coming games, and adjust your fantasy strategies accordingly. For more insights and analysis, be sure to follow the latest episodes of the Locked On Fantasy Basketball podcast.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Heat podcasts.
Luka Doncic Will Win MVP Unless... + Can Dereck Lively II Improve Enough? Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks are gearing up for an exciting NBA season, with Doncic being a top contender for the MVP award. As the Mavs look to make a strong impact, the dynamic duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving will be pivotal in their quest for success.
How Klay Thompson Looked in his Mavs Preseason Debut Klay Thompson made his preseason debut for the Dallas Mavericks, showcasing his potential impact alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. The Mavs are gearing up for an exciting NBA season, with fans eager to see how Thompson’s skills will complement the team’s dynamic.
Is Dante Exum’s Injury the Mavs First BIG Test? + Luka Doncic’s MVP Chance The Dallas Mavericks are gearing up for a challenging season as they face the absence of Dante Exum for three months. With Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving leading the Mavs, the team’s depth will be tested in the competitive NBA landscape.
