The Miami Heat have jumped out to a 3-games-to-1 lead over the Atlanta Hawks in their NBA Playoff first-round series. However, it hasn't been smooth sailing for the Heat, as they sustained a key blow during their Game 3 victory when guard Kyle Lowry was forced to sit out the entire fourth quarter due to a hamstring injury. Lowry then missed Game 4, with the franchise preaching their desire to be cautious with the ailment. On Monday, the Heat revealed Lowry's status for Game 5 on Tuesday, via their Twitter account.
Per the Heat, Lowry has been ruled out for Game 5 vs. the Hawks. This will mark his second straight absence, as Miami is clearly continuing to be very careful with the health of their veteran guard.
They certainly can afford to be, as each of their three victories in the NBA Playoff series have come by double digits. Atlanta simply has been no match for the Heat, who may not necessarily need Lowry to close out the series at home.
However, if the franchise wants to make a run at the NBA Finals, they will need Lowry to be 100 percent. The 36-year-old is not only an excellent playmaker, as evidenced by his 7.5 assists per game average, but also an important leader in the locker room, having secured an NBA championship of his own back in 2019 with the Toronto Raptors.
That's why the Heat will continue to play it smart with Lowry.
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