Davion

Mitchell

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.

Mitchell only scored one point in the first half, but he came up big for Miami after the break. Mitchell scored 15 points in the second half, including nine points in overtime. Combined with his defense on Trae Young, Mitchell was instrumental in helping the Heat survive Atlanta’s comeback. He’ll continue to be an important reserve for Miami as they take on Cleveland in the first round of the playoffs. He’ll do his best to slow down Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell, but he likely won’t contribute as much offense as he did in this game.

Tyler Herro, Alec Burks, Andrew Wiggins and Bam Adebayo are out for Sunday’s regular-season finale, getting an extra day of rest before Wednesday’s play-in tournament matchup with the Bulls. Mitchell, Robinson, Jaquez and Highsmith are the replacements, with the first two being especially valuable to fantasy managers in active leagues seeking value on the waiver wire.

Mitchell was one of the reserves who stepped up on Monday, reaching double figures in scoring for the 10th time in 11 games while also leading the Heat with nine assists. Over the past two weeks, he’s provided top-75 value in eight-cat formats but remains rostered in just 18 percent of Yahoo! leagues. Managers in active leagues should consider adding Mitchell, as the Heat have three more games to play this week.

Mitchell was one of two Heat players to notch a season-high point total on Saturday, with Alec Burks being the other. “Off Night” has provided sixth-round value in eight- and nine-cat formats over the past two weeks, a welcome turn of events for a player who has not been much of a fantasy asset during his NBA career. With the Heat playing in one of the two games on Monday’s schedule, Mitchell is worth a dice roll in leagues that will be active.

Herro’s right thigh contusion will keep him out of Saturday’s contest, leaving a massive hole in the Heat’s starting lineup. He has not missed a game since March 5. Davion Mitchell and Terry Rozier will have more minutes available, with the former more likely to move into the starting lineup. Neither player will replicate Herro’s scoring prowess, but Mitchell can provide added value in the assist category.

Mitchell returned after missing Monday’s game with an illness. The 26-year-old played 34 minutes off the bench. He was hardly efficient on offense with 13 points on 10 shots, though he made three three-pointers and dished out seven assists. Mitchell has played at least 30 minutes in nine of his last 10 games, which is a lot of run for a bench player.