Heat reshuffles rotations as Mitchell returns, Adebayo sidelined

With the regular season looming, the Miami Heat are juggling a mix of returning players, fresh injuries and roster moves that could reshape their rotation. Guard Davion Mitchell is expected to return from calf soreness for Sunday’s preseason game in Orlando, coach Erik Spoelstra said, but star center Bam Adebayo exited Monday’s preseason loss to Atlanta with a right knee contusion and did not return, and guard Tyler Herro remains sidelined as he recovers from ankle surgery.

Mitchell, who missed part of training camp and Miami’s first three preseason games, was a full participant in practice Friday and said Friday that the issue was “just a calf strain.” He added that missing game reps was frustrating because of the team’s new offense. The 27 year old, who re-signed with Miami this offseason on a two year, $24 million deal, averaged 10.3 points, 5.3 assists and 1.4 steals in 30 regular season appearances after arriving in a midseason trade last year, and he could factor into the starting backcourt while Herro is sidelined.

Adebayo’s injury came in Monday’s 119-118 overtime loss to the Hawks, Miami’s fifth straight preseason defeat. Spoelstra described Adebayo’s exit as...