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Heat consider managing Giannis Antetokounmpo's minutes throughout the season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 8, 2026, 10:05 AM

Last updated Oct 8, 2026

Heat consider managing Giannis Antetokounmpo's minutes throughout the season

Summary

Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra indicated that Giannis Antetokounmpo will continue to play in the preseason, despite concerns surrounding his workload at age 31. During the team's recent scrimmage, Antetokounmpo exhibited a cautious approach after a couple of aggressive plays. The Heat, with a history of managing veteran players effectively, aim to avoid overextending him ahead of the regular season, where his performance will be crucial following his contract extension. Miami is expected to balance performance with player longevity as the preseason progresses.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Erik Spoelstra confirms starters will continue playing in preseason games.
•Giannis Antetokounmpo displayed caution during the recent intrasquad scrimmage.
•Heat aim to manage Antetokounmpo's minutes to prevent overexertion.
•The team's approach addresses their investment in his long-term performance.
•Miami's history suggests a strategic management style for veteran players.

Latest Updates

10:05 AMYahoo Sports — ASK IRA: Will managing minutes be a season-long approach by the Heat with Giannis?

What they're saying

"
Q: Ira, Erik Spoelstra said he will continue to play the starters in the preseason. But is that smart to do at Giannis Antentokoumpo’s age, with how much the Heat need him? – Paul. A: First, Giannis Antetokounmpo is 31, not 41, not 51. And it’s not as if the Heat pushed him through extended minutes in the preseason opener against the Raptors, with the expectation of something similar Thursday ...
— Yahoo Sports

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