Alec

Burks

Mitchell has played well in this series and has reached double figures in five straight and 11 of his last 12 appearances (regular season and playoffs). Alec Burks, who was replaced in the starting lineup by “Off Night” for Game 2, picked up a second straight DNP-CD on Saturday. With the Heat’s season on the line Monday night, expect to see plenty of Mitchell, given how well he’s played.

Mitchell got his first start of the postseason and didn’t disappoint, coming up with timely scores and defensive plays down the stretch of Game 2. Mitchell’s double-digit finish was his fourth consecutive and 10th over the last 11 games. After starting in place of Alec Burks, who didn’t play a single second on Wednesday, it’s hard to imagine the fourth-year guard being removed from the starting lineup after such an impactful performance. Nevertheless, he figures to play a key role for Miami in Game 3 on Saturday.

Mitchell moves into the starting lineup after playing 34 minutes off the bench in Sunday’s Game 1 defeat. The combination of on-ball defensive ability and being able to set up teammates offensively is why “Off-Night” will start, with Alec Burks heading to the bench. The other four starters are unchanged from Game 1.

While the move from Toronto to Miami did not significantly impact Mitchell’s fantasy prospects during the regular season, his value to his team did increase. “Off-Night” may have finished Game 1 with a minus-19 rating, but the stat line was solid. And it’s fair to question if there will be a point when Mitchell replaces Alec Burks (6/2/2 with two three-pointers in 15 minutes) in the starting lineup for defensive reasons. Add in Mitchell’s ability to set up teammates, and that change may be required to give the Heat a shot at winning this series. Game 2 is on Wednesday.

While Burks has been a consistent member of the Heat rotation, Jovic has not appeared in a game since fracturing his hand just after the All-Star. Whether or not Nikola will be available for Miami’s play-in tournament matchup with the Bulls is unknown, but the Heat have no such concerns with Burks. The Heat are locked into the 10-seed regardless of Sunday’s result, so players like Keshad Johnson and Josh Christopher should play plenty.

No surprises here as Herro and Burks were both listed as probable. With the game meaning something for the Heat in the Eastern Conference playoff standings, it’s unlikely Herro would have his minutes strictly monitored. Fantasy managers in leagues still going can insert Herro into lineups with confidence.

The Heat trail Chicago by one game in the race for home-court advantage in the East’s nine vs. ten play-in game next week. Given the stakes and Herro and Burks being probable, fantasy managers in active leagues should expect to see those two in the Heat rotation on Friday. Jaime Jaquez Jr. would figure more prominently in the rotation if either player sits.

Herro is back in the Heat lineup after missing Saturday’s loss to the Bucks. His return means Duncan Robinson will head to the bench, which limits the three-point shooter’s fantasy value. Burks has been a fixture in the starting lineup since March 25, and that’s unlikely to change on Monday.

Burks’ status is up in the air, and Highsmith remains one of Miami’s most reliable reserves. Duncan Robinson could step in for Burks if he’s ruled out. Kyle Anderson could steal some minutes from Highsmith if he’s unable to lace up on Monday.

Herro missed the Heat’s last game, while Wiggins has missed five straight. Pelle Larsson and Alec Burks could be poised to start like they did against Milwaukee if the aforementioned players are ruled out.