Q: Could the All-Star break have come at a worse time, after the big wins in Milwaukee and Philadelphia? – Marino.

A: Or could it have come at a better time, considering the Heat are idle for eight days as Terry Rozier recovers from his knee strain and Josh Richardson from his shoulder dislocation? Plus, it affords Jimmy Butler time off after the death of a family member, having missed the past three games. In addition, it allows the opportunity to recharge ahead of a challenging western swing that includes an NBA Finals rematch against the Nuggets. These eight days assuredly will be embraced

Q: Ira, this has gotten interesting. Josh Richardson was out of the rotation, then he played his way back in. Haywood Highsmith now is doing the same. If Erik Spoelstra is to reward effort, then who sits? – Nate.

A: And that’s not even getting into the boost that Nikola Jovic provided at the start of the two-game trip going into the All-Star break. It will be particularly interesting to see the approach with Caleb Martin, who has struggled with his offense and is not quite the same energetic presence to this point. When the Heat are whole and healthy, guaranteed playing time obviously goes to leading men Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro. The next sure things in the rotation are Terry Rozier, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Duncan Robinson and Kevin Love. So that’s a definitive seven. From there, it could be mix and match based on what the matchup calls for, among Martin, Haywood Highsmith, Josh Richardson, which puts it at 10. And that’s not even getting into Nikola Jovic, Orlando Robinson, Thomas Bryant or two-way players Jamal Cain, Alondes Williams and Cole Swider. For now, though, with Rozier and Richardson out, there still could be a shortfall of attacking players. So, in a word, consider it all fluid.

Q Sir, can you ask Erik Spoelstra if he’s keeping Duncan Robinson in the starting five even if everybody’s healthy? – M.J.

A: I could, but this is a coach who doesn’t divulge his starting unit when asked 90 minutes prior to tip, let alone far in advance. Plus, we likely have heard the last from Erik Spoelstra until the Heat regroup next Thursday for practice after the All-Star break. But, again, unless Jimmy Butler green lights starting at power forward, there simply isn’t a wing spot for Duncan Robinson in the starting lineup, when considering the presence of Butler, Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier. Now, until Rozier returns from his knee strain, it could well be Duncan remaining with the first five. He certainly has merited such consideration.