Kyle Lowry, Heat on ‘same page’ on path forward this season, as Lowry gets used to bench role

The Miami Heat’s long-term plan for veteran point guard Kyle Lowry still needs to be worked out, but the team’s short-term plan for him is clear.

Play him off the bench for about 20 minutes per game as he regains his rhythm and conditioning after missing 15 straight games because of left knee soreness. This reduced role is designed to keep Lowry, who turns 37 on March 25, healthy and fresh after dealing with lingering pain in his left knee for most of the season.

“He’s savvy enough that you can throw him in any kind of role and he’ll figure it out,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said ahead of Saturday night’s matchup against the Chicago Bulls at United Center to open a quick but important two-game trip that ends Sunday aga...