Heat coach Erik Spoelstra is slowing things down.
After about two weeks of a defensive-heavy training camp, Miami's new up-tempo offense has almost ground to a halt, largely because of turnovers and injuries.
The Heat averages 23.3 turnovers per game, which is 29th in the 30-team NBA.
"The turnovers are obviously a major concern,"
Spoelstra said.
Miami's offense averages 93.7 points per game (tied for 15th in the NBA) while shooting just 42.4 percent from the field (20th), including 24.1 (25th) from three-point range.
Guard Dwyane Wade (16.7 points per game) and rookie forward Michael Beasley (16.3 ppg) are thriving offensively. But others, including forward Shawn Marion (9.0 ppg, 6.0 rebounds), haven't yet been fully involved.
The Heat (0-3) had the day off Tuesday - one day after returning home from its weeklong trip to Paris and London - before resuming practice today. Spoelstra hopes his injured players are well enough to see action Saturday against Orlando.
Forward Udonis Haslem (sprained ligament left foot), who made his exhibition debut in London, is expected to practice today. But guard Chris Quinn (sprained left ankle), who has missed two games, and forward James Jones (sprained right wrist), who has missed all three games, remain questionable.
Spoelstra doesn't want the injuries to be an excuse, but both Quinn and Jones are expected to play major roles on the team this season and their absence is a hindrance offensively.
"How much (of a hindrance) I don't know,"
Spoelstra said. "But in terms of cohesiveness, we need to get our guys out there playing."
