The Miami Heat have been navigating through injuries, COVID-19 protocols, and other setbacks this season. So far, they've been very successful, even leading the Eastern Conference at one point.
That becomes even more impressive when you take into consideration that the Heat's top four players, Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Kyle Lowry, and Tyler Herro have only played together in just a handful of games. Butler and Adebayo have returned, but now, it's their fellow All-Star Lowry's turn to miss several games.
The veteran playmaker missed his ninth straight game on Tuesday night against the Toronto Raptors, his former team, due to personal reasons. The Heat haven't disclosed specific details about Lowry's absence. But according to a report by ESPN, coach Erik Spoelstra said he's constantly communicating with his point guard.
“He’s part of our family. I just want to be there for him. The basketball stuff, we can work all that out.”
The fact that Spoelstra didn't divulge more details about Lowry's situation could be a cause for concern. But clearly, the Heat are simply respecting Lowry's privacy, especially since it's a personal matter.
The Heat suffered a third straight defeat after bowing to the Raptors, 110-106. They dropped to third place in the Eastern Conference with a 32-20 win-loss slate.
Lowry didn't fly with the Heat in their five-game road trip. The team will next face the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday.
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