Heat’s Vincent returns; Martin starting for Love

MIAMI — Heat guard Gabe Vincent will return from a one-game absence and start in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Boston Celtics on Saturday night.

Vincent, who is averaging 17.5 points a game during this series, missed Game 5 with a left ankle injury, which he suffered after landing awkwardly after taking a jump shot midway through the fourth quarter of Game 4. Vincent briefly returned to the game and was optimistic about playing in Game 5, but his ankle did not recover in time.

Kyle Lowry started in Vincent’s place in Miami’s 110-97 loss on Thursday, posting five points, two rebounds, one assist and four turnovers in 30 minutes.

Now, with the Heat leading 3-2 and trying to avoid becoming the first team in NBA history to drop a 3-0 series lead, Vincent will try to help deliver the Heat to an NBA Finals matchup against the Denver Nuggets.