NBA Notes: Caris LeVert, Hawks, Heat, Lineup Changes, Sixers

LeVert, averaging 13.7 points per game, Niang at 15.2 points per game, and Mann, shooting .571 from the field, have all made an immediate impact since their arrivals in Atlanta.

These new additions have helped the Hawks maintain a strong position in the play-in race, despite sending out key players De’Andre Hunter and Bogdan Bogdanovic before the trade deadline.

Trae Young praised his new teammates’ aggression after the game, highlighting their ability to take charge when given the opportunity.

“It makes it way easier whenever you have guys like Caris and Georges who are aggressive, and whenever they get the ball, they’re not hesitant at all,” Young said, via Lauren L. Williams of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “And even T-Mann hit a big three.”

The Hawks’ depth continues to prove valuable as they look to secure a spot in the postseason. With LeVert, Niang, and Mann stepping up, Atlanta has shown resilience and offensive firepower in the wake of roster changes.

Heat

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra is adjusting his rotation following Nikola Jovic’s hand fracture, which will sideline the forward for an extended period. Jovic had been playing significant minutes, averaging 31.9 per game over his last 10 healthy appearances.

In his absence, Spoelstra has turned to Kyle Anderson and Jaime Jaquez to fill the void.

Anderson, a veteran forward, played 28 minutes against Atlanta, the most of any Miami reserve. He scored 14 points, grabbed five rebounds, and was notably active on the free-throw line, attempting 10 shots. Despite Miami’s 12-point loss, Spoelstra praised Anderson’s performance.

“He gave us some really good minutes,” Spoelstra said, via Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald. “I played him probably a handful more minutes than I anticipated. But he was doing some really good things out there.”

Meanwhile, Jaquez, who had been out of the rotation in recent games, was given just seven minutes on the floor. The rookie’s role remains uncertain as Spoelstra continues to evaluate his options in light of Jovic’s injury.

• Another significant change in Miami’s lineup came with the decision to bench guard Terry Rozier, who received his first DNP-CD of the season. Alec Burks played in his place but struggled, making just 1-of-12 shots from the field in 27 minutes.
• Spoelstra explained the decision to sit Rozier, emphasizing the team’s ongoing search for the right mix. “It’s just one of those things right now,” Spoelstra said. “We’re searching. It’s not an indictment on anybody necessarily. I feel for the guys that haven’t been able to play — Jaime the couple games before this and Terry. It’s not anyone’s fault. We’re all in this together. But we do need to find something. So, I’ll continue to use the depth of our roster, however we feel like we need to.”

76ers

• Despite an eight-game losing streak, the 76ers are unlikely to finish the season with a worse record than teams like the Pelicans, Jazz, Hornets, or Wizards, according to John Hollinger of The Athletic. But with the playoffs slipping further out of reach, the 76ers could consider shutting down Paul George and Joel Embiid to improve their draft positioning.
• If Philadelphia were to fall further in the standings and be surpassed by Toronto, the 76ers would end up with the fifth-worst record in the league. This would give the team a roughly 64% chance of retaining their protected first-round draft pick, which is set to be sent to Oklahoma City if it falls outside the top six. The decision could significantly influence the team’s future, as they look to maintain control over the valuable pick.
• George reacted strongly to the Sixers’ blowout home loss to the Bulls on Monday. We have that full story here.