"Depleted" is a word that applies to both the Miami Heat and the visiting Los Angeles Clippers going into their Thursday night matchup.
The Clippers, who lost to the host Atlanta Hawks 108-99 on Tuesday, were without their two biggest stars, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, because of health and safety protocols. In addition, Clippers guard Patrick Beverley missed the game due to right knee soreness.
Miami, which lost 109-82 to the visiting Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night, also played short-handed. The Heat were without three key players: Jimmy Butler (COVID-19 protocols), Tyler Herro (neck) and Goran Dragic (groin).