Heat youngsters take on final preseason game in Memphis

Expect plenty of action from the Heat’s rookie big man Kel’el Ware tonight with the starters taking the night off.

It has been an encouraging preseason for the Miami Heat, who have been winners of three straight with a 3-1 overall record. These games so far have came with extended run from the starters, and it is looking like the continuity being built is paying off in the win column.

There have been several key takeaways throughout this preseason, but the two main ones has been health and offense. These are the two elements of the team that Pat Riley has been stressing to address, and the progress is certainly there. Jimmy Butler has led the way for the team in terms of availability, appearing in all four of the first games.

This has even included playing in a second night of a back-to-back, after not appearing in a single preseason outing each of the last two years prior.

The offense has also looked promising, with the Heat getting up a lot more 3-point volume and looked fast as a group. The up tempo style of play has made the team look much more efficient and on point with the modern day NBA offense. Miami’s defense has also continued to impress, as the team has been active with deflections and generating easy looks in the transition.

For the final game of this preseason tonight, the Heat will look to finish 4-1 after their matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies on the road. There are eight of the veterans on the team who will not be making the trip and taking the night off. This paves the way for extended run from the team’s talented young core, headlined by the trio of Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jovic and Kel’el Ware.

After being selected at the 15th overall draft pick, Ware has not received much opportunity yet. Coach Erik Spoelstra is opting to take the more patient development approach with his new 7-foot big man, but should see a lot of action in Memphis with several key guys out.

Be on the look out for the play of Ware’s fellow 2024 draft teammate Pelle Larsson tonight as well. The Heat’s youngsters were winners of this year’s summer league championship, and should be expected to have a chance of showcasing that potential this evening.

Injury Report (at the time of this publishing):

Miami Heat:

Bam Adebayo (rest) — OUT
Jimmy Butler (rest) — OUT
Alec Burks (rest) — OUT
Tyler Herro (rest) — OUT
Kevin Love (rest) — OUT
Terry Rozier (rest) — OUT
Duncan Robinson (rest) — OUT
Josh Richardson (shoulder) — OUT

Memphis Grizzlies:

N/A at time of publishing.

Projected Starting 5 (subject to change):

Miami Heat:

Dru Smith, G
Pelle Larsson, G
Jaime Jaquez Jr, F
Nikola Jovic, F
Kel’el Ware, C

Memphis Grizzlies

Scottie Pippen Jr, G
Desmond Bane, G
Jake LaRavia, F
Brandon Clarke, F
Santi Aldama, C

Broadcast Info:

Tipoff: 8:00 PM EST
TV: NBA TV & Bally Sports Sun (Eric Reid & John Crotty)
Radio: AM 560 Sports WQAM & The HEAT Radio Network (Jason Jackson)
Spanish Radio: WAQI 710 AM & The HEAT Spanish Radio Network (José Pañeda)

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