Heat point guard Mario Chalmers participated in a portion of the Heat’s shootaround on Wednesday at AmericanAirlines Arena, but his status remained uncertain for Game 2 of the Heat and Bobcats’ first-round playoff series.
Chalmers bruised his leg early in Game 1, but finished the game. He played 25 minutes in the Heat’s 99-88 victory. Tipoff for Game 2 is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wednesday at AmericanAirlines Arena.
“We’re trying to keep him off his feet as much as possible with a little more treatment,” Spoelstra said. “We’ll see how he feels tonight once he loosens it up.”
Chalmers is expected to play, but if the Heat’s trainers and coaches hold him out as a precaution, then either guards Norris Cole or Toney Douglas will be inserted into the starting rotation.
With Cole entrenched as the second unit’s point guard, it’s likely Douglas would be the first option off the bench to replace Chalmers. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra made it a point during the regular season to keep his second unit intact.
“We’re a key to the team’s success,” Cole said of the second unit off the bench. “Making sure that that next wave that comes in the game is consistent and gives us a boost.”
— Bobcats center Al Jefferson said he plans to play in Game 2 despite tearing his plantar fascia in the first quarter of Game 1. Jefferson was immobilized in a protective boot on Wednesday morning at AmericanAirlines Arena during the Bobcats’ shootaround.
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