ASK IRA: Should Heat practice prudence when it comes to Jimmy Butler’s ankle?

Q: Hello, Ira. Having pulled out the victory in Game 1 and flipping homecourt advantage, should the Heat sit out Jimmy Butler for Game 2 and get him a full week of rest before returning for Game 3 in Miami? We go as far as Jimmy can take us. I’d rather the Heat play it safe.  – Carlos, West Park.

A: I’m not sure the Heat will play it “safe” as much as play it smart. It will be a training-staff and medical decision more than a basketball one. And it likely will be one not made until closer to Game 2. Yes, if Jimmy does not play in Tuesday night’s Game 2, then it would give him five days until Game 3 on Saturday in Miami. But there also could be a huge opportunity to go up 2-0 if Julius Randle is not back for Game 2. If Jimmy can play, he will play. This is not a team that has much in the way of wiggle room, with Tyler Herro and Victor Oladipo already out. You can argue the Bucks played it safe with Giannis Antetokounmpo in Round 1. And where are they now?

Q: Where are all the Kyle Lowry haters? – Stuart, Miami.

A: The same place they will be if he doesn’t come up big again Game 2. This never was as much about Kyle Lowry as it was about giving a player in his late 30s a three-year, $85 million deal. Yes, Kyle was very good at the close on Sunday in New York. But it also was in a reserve, limited-minutes role. In a salary-cap word, your productivity has to match your contract. I’m not sure the Heat are there at the moment with Kyle.

Q: Hi, Ira. Didn’t Kevin Love’s three Dan Marino-like throws put Miami Heat on the path to victory?  – Masoud, Tucson, Ariz.

A: They certainly did. So take down Dan Marino’s jersey from the south wall at Kaseya Center and put up Kevin Love’s? Or maybe the Dolphins should simply add Love’s number to their ring of honor.