The Heat is on
The Heat will look to rain on the Bucks’ parade Saturday afternoon when the game tips off in the afternoon at Fiserv Forum.
But the Heat are already down one big piece as it was announced Friday that their star free agent acquisition from the summer, Jimmy Butler, will miss their two-game road trip as he tends to the birth of his new daughter.
Jimmy Butler will not travel for two-game road trip. His girlfriend had a baby Wednesday night
— Shandel Richardson (@ShandelRich) October 25, 2019
Miami won their opening game of the season without Butler as he was a late scratch, but taking down the Bucks will be a different challenge altogether as they trudge on shorthanded as Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel pointed out Friday afternoon.
So no Haslem, Butler, Waiters, Johnson for what will be home openers for both Bucks and Timberwolves. Leaves Heat with 12 available. https://t.co/59bNrvKy11
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) October 25, 2019
While that covers what the Heat will be missing, they’ll rely on a heavily revamped roster and starting lineup to take on the challenge of spoiling the Bucks’ debut. Of note from that group of players, rookie Tyler Herro will look to make a strong impression in what will be his hometown debut as an NBA player after the Heat selected the Milwaukee native with the 14th overall pick in this year’s draft.
Although being plucky underdogs has been the Heat’s calling card under long-standing head coach Erik Spoelstra over the last several years, they might long for reinforcements once the game gets underway.