Inside The Nuggets

Miami Heat Make Unexpected Lineup Change Before Game 2 vs. Nuggets

The Miami Heat are reportedly making a lineup change before NBA Finals Game 2
Joey Linn|
Miami Heat Make Unexpected Lineup Change Before Game 2 vs. Nuggets
Miami Heat Make Unexpected Lineup Change Before Game 2 vs. Nuggets

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Miami HeatDenver Nuggets

Miami Heat forward Caleb Martin has officially been made available for Game 2 vs. the Denver Nuggets after initially being listed as questionable with an illness. While Martin is available and expected to play, the Heat are reportedly making a starting lineup move, and reinserting Kevin Love in Martin's place.

Love has started 14 games this postseason, while Martin has started just four. This lineup change, which was first reported by Jared Greenberg of NBA TV, reverts back to a familiar group that Miami has used a lot this postseason. While this starting lineup is a familiar one for Miami, it is still surprising to see them go away from Martin, who has been their best player at times this postseason.

With Martin battling an illness, it's possible that his minutes and effectiveness could be limited in this Game 2. If this is the case, it makes more sense why Miami is opting for this lineup change. Reverting to a familiar group also allows the Heat to maintain a level of continuity that is crucial in these types of games.

As previously mentioned, Martin is available off the bench for Miami, which is what initially makes this staring lineup change so unexpected. That said, there are some potential reasons for Miami making this move that make sense, such as Martin's illness.

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Joey Linn
JOEY LINN

Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA and WNBA for On SI. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined On SI to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts and in the classroom earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time, primarily serving as a Clippers beat writer.

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