Each day, this column will provide live updates for all NBA news. Enjoy up-to-the-minute alerts for injuries and lineup confirmations. The Key News to Watch section will highlight notable injuries to monitor for the current NBA slate.
Key NBA News to Watch
Karl-Anthony Towns (calf) — In
Rudy Gobert (back) — In
Gabe Vincent (hip) — Available
Kyle Lowry (knee) — Available
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Confirmed Lineup: Patrick Beverley, Alex Caruso, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic
Lonzo Ball (knee) — Injured
Vucevic exceeded 15 points just once in seven matchups with Miami during the last two seasons. Though Patrick Williams averaged 31.0 minutes as his perimeter defense was valued against the Heat this season and could see a higher volume of three-point attempts, LaVine and DeRozan likely need to shoulder more of the offense. LaVine recorded 26.0% usage as he scored 22 or fewer points in four of his six games against the Heat during the last two seasons, while DeRozan registered 26.6% usage and scored 24 or more points in five out of six contests against Miami.
Confirmed Lineup: Gabe Vincent, Tyler Herro, Max Strus, Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo
Jimmy Butler (personal) — Not on injury report
Gabe Vincent (hip) — Available
Kyle Lowry (knee) — Available
Nikola Jovic (back) — Out
Coach Spoelstra hinted that he would change the rotation ahead of Miami's matchup with the Bulls. Martin starting in Max Strus' stead feels likeliest as the Heat need additional perimeter defensive options, but Lowry starting at point guard is also a potential change. Three-point shooting remains essential to defeating the Bulls; Herro and Strus both attempted 9.0 threes per game against Chicago this season. Herro's shooting will take on heightened importance if Strus is omitted from the starting lineup.
Confirmed Lineup: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, Josh Giddey, Jalen Williams, Jaylin Williams
Aleksej Pokusevski (knee) — Out
Kenrich Williams (wrist) — Injured
Chet Holmgren (foot) — Injured
Giddey was increasingly featured Wednesday, matching Gilgeous-Alexander's 11-for-22 shooting as he finished with 31 points, nine rebounds, and 10 assists. Giddey's role could remain most expanded in a playoff scenario, but he averaged 14.0 points on 22.0% usage in four games against Minnesota this season. Gilgeous-Alexander was the only Thunder player to average more points during those contests, submitting 33.3 points per game on a 57.1 eFG%.
Confirmed Lineup: Mike Conley, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, Rudy Gobert
Karl-Anthony Towns (calf) — In
Rudy Gobert (back) — In
Jaylen Nowell (knee) — Available
Naz Reid (wrist) — Injured
Edwards had kinesio tape on his left shoulder and dealt with cramping before being seen icing both knees and his right thumb after he shot three-for-17 from the field in Tuesday's loss. Gobert said Thursday that his back spasms would have sidelined him against the Lakers, and he still isn't moving how he would like. The remaining starters will need to shoulder more of the offensive burden if Edwards struggles again. Taurean Prince would play increased minutes, and Towns would man the center position for longer periods if Gobert is limited or unavailable.