Jermaine O’Neal has been playing some very good basketball in the month of February and has really stepped it up the past few games with Dwyane Wade out.  O’Neal is only averaging 13.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.4 blocks on the season.  This month has been much better for O’Neal though, with him averaging 16.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 2.0 blocks.  He has scored 18 or more points in five of the last six games and kept the Heat from falling apart with D. Wade out.  They are 2-2 without Wade and O’Neal is the main reason why.  O’Neal has had a lot of injury problems the past few years though, and has been playing through a strained back lately.  If O’Neal can stay healthy and keep up this productive play, it could really help the Heat make a surge in the Eastern Conference playoff picture when Wade returns.

The Heat are watching Jermaine O’Neal’s minutes this season and the results have been really good. O’Neal has played in 25 games (all starts) this season and he is averaging 28.6 minutes, 13.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 blocked shot per game. O’Neal is also hitting 50% of his shots from the floor as he is still a solid player in the paint. If the Heat can afford to keep watching his minutes and keep him healthy he will be a force for them.

Udonis Haslem is adjusting well to his new role as a back-up off the bench. He has played in 15 games (0 starts) for the Heat this season and he is averaging 29.9 minutes, 10.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and 0.9 assists per game. Haslem’s numbers have remained strong this season and the Heat need him to keep up the good work as he does the little things that winning teams need by playing defense and rebounding.

Dwyane Wade is one of the most exciting players to watch in the NBA, and not just on offense.  Wade has been doing an excellent job on the defensive end and has been making highlight blocks and great steals leading to easy dunks.  Wade is averaging 2.3 steals per game as well as 1.2 blocks.  These numbers are even more impressive when you consider the offensive load that Wade has to carry, which he carries very well.  Wade is averaging 28.9 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.7 rebounds while playing 39 minutes per game.  Wade makes such a big impact on both ends of the floor that he will definitely be one of the front runners for the MVP award this season.

Udonis Haslem seems to be enjoying his new role of coming off the bench. He plays all out all of the time so a bench role seems to suit him fine. Haslem has played in 3 games (0 starts) this season for the Heat and he is averaging 31.3 minutes, 12.3 points, 10.0 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game. The Heat need Haslem to keep up the good work as he brings great energy off the bench and it rubs off on his teammates.