Miami Heat vs. Golden State Warriors Injury Report: Several Heat Contributors’ Status Is In Question
Jimmy Butler, Kyle Lowry, Duncan Robinson, and Caleb Martin are among those on the injury report for Thursday’s game.
The Miami Heat (18-12) are hoping to extend their winning streak on Thursday evening against the Golden State Warriors (15-15).
Miami has won three consecutive contests, with their latest coming against the Philadelphia 76ers on Christmas Day. The Warriors have won five of their last six games. However, they were defeated by the Denver Nuggets on Monday.
Here’s the injury report:
HEAT
Jimmy Butler: Questionable – Left Calf Strain
Kyle Lowry: Questionable – Soreness
Caleb Martin: Doubtful – Right Ankle Sprain
Josh Richardson: Doubtful – Low Back Discomfort
Duncan Robinson: Questionable – Left Ankle Sprain
Dru Smith: Out – Right Acl 3rd Degree Sprain
WARRIORS
Draymond Green: Out – League Suspension
The Heat could be in for a rude awakening if the majority of contributors are ruled out. Butler has missed their last three matchups, where Miami has a 3-0 record. The potential absences of Lowry, Richardson, and Robinson are crucial. Their backcourt would enter the night shorthanded, with Tyler Herro as the lone scoring option.
Meanwhile, Golden State is at near-full health. Despite their health, key contributors Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins are struggling this year.
The Warriors recent dominance could put an end to the Heat’s winning streak.
Further Reading:
Erik Spoelstra of the Heat shares a Personal Perspective on coaching Team USA alongside Warriors’ Steve Kerr
Spoelstra had some nice words for Kerr as the two have known each other for years and were closer when both were on Team USA.
After the Heat practiced Wednesday, Spoelstra spoke to the media about his time with Kerr, calling it “totally invaluable.” He also added that he not only respects him as a head coach, but as a “human being.”
“Totally invaluable from a life experience and basketball experience was incredible. Everything that I had hoped for. Obviously, we wanted to come back, you know, with the gold, but competition is tough. It’s tough in the NBA and it’s tough in FIBA and I think that helps you grow,” Spoelstra said. “I really enjoyed my time with Steve, I’ve gotten to know him over the years, particularly when he’s doing TV in head coaches meetings. I really admire him, Irespect him as a coach, I really like him as a human being.”
Spoelstra compares the Heat to the Warriors ahead of battle
In sharing his analysis with the media about the Warriors, Spoelstra compares the Heat’s start to the season to the opposing team as both squads are still trying to figure out their identity. He believes it will be a good challenge for Miami as they embark on a brutal five-game road trip.
“Their style of play still is there, it’s evident. I think the whole league is trying to figure this out right now, and that’s why you just can’t pay attention to what everybody’s saying on the outside. It’s not like they’re a bunch of teams playing consistent basketball, there are a handful. And then basically everybody else is trying to figure it out,” Spoelstra said. “And Golden State like us has had some really good moments where they’ve looked like a bit of who they’ve been, and they’ve had some moments where they’re trying to figure it out. We feel like we’re in a similar area. They still play an incredibly unique style. That’s just a great environment to play there. I think it’s a good way to kick off this road trip because you’re going to have to play good consistent basketball.”
Both teams trying to find consistency
The Warriors are off to an up-and-down start to their season as they are 15-15 which puts them 10th in the Western Conference. It’s already been a rollercoaster of a season for them as they have dealt with numerous suspensions to Draymond Green plus the benching of key players like Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, and Kevon Looney.
However, the team still has superstar Stephen Curry who is averaging 27.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4,4 assists per game. While they have been trying to find consistency all season, they were just recently on a five-game winning streak until they lost to the Denver Nuggets on Christmas Day.
As Spoelstra said, the Heat are also looking to build some connective tissue though they are currently on a three-game winning streak after they beat the Philadelphia 76ers on Christmas Day. With the win, Miami is 18-12 which puts them at fifth in the Eastern Conference.
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