Even with a hobbled Butler, the Heat’s defense was largely effective in slowing down Philly. But their offense depends heavily on Tyler Herro, one of the only Miami players who can reliably create his own shot. Can Herro still deliver with Chicago’s defense keying on him and without Butler’s playmaking?
2. DeMar DeRozan
Coby White exploded for a career-high 42 points against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, but DeRozan is the Bulls’ most important offensive player. Miami does a great job of neutralizing opposing teams’ strengths on defense, and it is usually good at avoiding fouling. Just not against DeRozan.
In four games against Miami this season, DeRozan shot 28-of-34 from the line, regularly getting free points with his array of shot fakes and isolation moves.
He’s simply one of the best mid-range scorers in the NBA. That might not lead to sparkling regular-season efficiency numbers, but in the playoffs, particularly the kind of slow-paced, grind-it-out defensive battles Miami loves, having a player who can get two points in a variety of ways is huge.
3. Domantas Sabonis
The shorthanded Sacramento Kings blasted the Golden State Warriors Tuesday night thanks to a huge shooting night from Keegan Murray. But the Kings offense revolves around their three-time All-Star, who orchestrates the action with dribble handoffs and smart passing.
That’s why Sabonis averaged 8.2 assists and 17 triple-doubles this season. If fellow Lithuanian Jonas Valanciunas can’t disrupt Sabonis or keep the NBA’s leading rebounder off the glass, it’s going to be tough for New Orleans to shut down the Kings.
4. Trey Murphy III
A lot of pressure falls on Brandon Ingram because of teammate Zion Williamson’s hamstring injury. But Ingram simply hasn’t looked healthy since returning from a three-week absence, getting benched for long stretches against the Lakers on Tuesday. Instead, the Pelicans are going to need a more aggressive performance from a different young forward.
Sacramento allows the second-most three-point attempts in the NBA, while New Orleans takes the sixth-fewest. Without Williamson, it is going to need to up its outside shooting, and the best way to do that is by running more plays to get Murphy open from deep. Sometimes really deep.