Q: The current Heat roster although seemingly more athletic and energetic than the one that jettisoned Shawne Williams, Danny Granger, Justin Hamilton and Norris Cole for the Dragic brothers still struggles with so many injuries. Do we have enough with no Chris Bosh and the inconsistent play of Hassan Whiteside to win enough of the remaining games to make the playoffs? Under the circumstances, is it too optimistic for Heat fans to expect more (as in winning games on the home court and against the non-elite teams) from the group that takes the court? I don't think that Dwayne Wade can do any more than he does with his minutes on the court especially with his exceptional play in the fourth quarter Monday. -- Michael, Miami

A: If what you're asking is if the Heat have suddenly have become somewhat of a playoff longshot, I don't think you're off base. ESPN's ratings give the Heat less than a 30-percent shot at the postseason. The problem, even more than the roster, and perhaps as much as the injuries, is an upcoming schedule that after Wednesday's home game against the Nets goes: at Toronto on Friday, home next Monday against the Cleveland and then home two nights later against Portland. And from there, there are games at Oklahoma City, Atlanta and Cleveland, as well as home games against the Spurs, Bulls and Raptors. The Heat let a lot of the games they needed get away. Now they're paying the price with a less-than-forgiving closing schedule.

Q: Hassan needs to stop committing stupid fouls! -- Dallas, Staten Island, N.Y.

A: I agree. Actually, I think this plays into his moments of temper more than some have considered. I think if he can keep the foul trouble down, the frustration wouldn't be as severe with other situations. There is no need to be fouling jump shooters, as was the case Monday. And the next lesson is to learn which rebounds have to be conceded. Again, it's all part of his late-evolving NBA maturation.

Q: Assuming that we can get Whiteside playing to a good level by the end of the season, should we attempt to trade him for future draft picks? I think we could get a couple of first-round picks. -- Michael, Oviedo.

A: No, that's silly. What this team needs is to get a definitive look at Whiteside alongside Bosh, Goran Dragic, Dwyane Wade, Josh McRoberts and the rest of the complete (and healthy) roster to see how these moving parts can work together. Honestly, with Whiteside, Bosh, McRoberts, Deng, Dragic and Wade, I'm not sure you need too many draft picks to slot alongside. Now, if the concern becomes losing Whiteside in 2016 free agency, that always can be addressed by the 2016 trading deadline.