Miami Heat are once again dealing with injuries as their roster is depleted and nearly half of the players are either out or questionable for the next game. The Heat played without their two best bench players, Tyler and James Johnson, Monday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers, and they came up victorious. However, even though their next game is in Miami and against a much weaker opponent, it is questionable if the Heat can continue the win streak without their key players.
Miami Heat have only eight healthy players
Monday night game in Cleveland was very tough as the Miami Heat had only nine players available.
Beside Tyler Johnson and James Johnson, Luke Babbitt got injured early in the game, as well as rookie forward Okaro White. NBA rules require teams to have at least eight players ready to play, and that is exactly how many players should be available for the Heat in their next game.
Miami will face off against the Charlotte Hornets Wednesday night when they will have a chance to get on a three-game win streak. However, Injury problems will be a big issue for the Heat, as their division rivals will use it to their advantage to win the game. Just like Miami, the Hornets are chasing the final playoff spot, as they are three games behind the eighth seed and only a game and a half behind the Heat.
Heat roster is shorthanded and easy to beat
Miami Heat will not count on three players Wednesday night as they are all out for the season. This includes Chris Bosh, Justise Winslow, and Josh McRoberts, who played 40 games combined this season and will not return to action anytime soon. Tyler Johnson is dealing with a sore left shoulder, and James Johnson has a minor elbow injury, as they are both questionable for the next Heat game.
Luke Babbitt was sidelined against the Cavaliers due to back spasms and is also questionable for the game.
One injured player that Miami Heat will be able to count on is Okaro White. The rookie is listed as probable with a sprained left ankle, and if he plays, the Heat will need him to bring his A-game in order to beat the Charlotte Hornets.
While it's true that the Miami Heat defeated the defending NBA champions Monday night, while missing five players in total, it will be hard to beat the Hornets in their next game. Just like Miami, the Hornets will enter the game after winning two straight games against playoff teams. There is no doubt that both teams will fight hard and it will be an intense battle for a playoff spot between two division rivals.
