The Miami Heat (19-13) take on the Los Angeles Clippers (19-12) on Monday night, with all signs pointing to a weakened roster.
The Heat were disappointed in their last game against the Utah Jazz. Utah came away with the win, thanks to guards Collin Sexton and Keyonte George.
The Clippers have won nine of their last 11 games. They are on a two-game winning streak heading into the New Year’s Eve game.
Injury report:
HEAT:
Jimmy Butler: Butler: absent – right foot irritation
Haywood Highsmith: Doubtful – jaw contusion
Kyle Lowry: Questionable – head contusion
Caleb Martin: Questionable – right ankle sprain
Josh Richardson: Questionable – left low back syndrome
Orlando Robinson: Questionable – G-League – on referral
Dru Smith: Ruled out – right knee surgery
Cole Swider: Questionable – G League – two-way play
CLIPPERS:
Kawhi Leonard: questionable – left hip contusion
Mason Plumlee: questionable – left ACL sprain
Butler played against the Jazz but was underwhelming by his standards. He was 2 of 3 from the floor for 8 points and 2 rebounds. He was disappointed with his lack of aggressiveness on offense.
Martin, Richardson and Lowry were not active against Utah, but they are key players when healthy.
Leonard is the Clippers’ top scorer this season with 24.4 points. As a veteran on the roster, he also provides elite-level defense.