Nicolas Batum (ankle) has been formally ruled out for Monday's Game 4 against the Hornets.

Batum (ankle) has been formally ruled out for Monday's Game 4 against the Hornets.

Analysis:

Reports surfaced late last week suggesting that Batum would likely miss the rest of the series, but he told reporters Saturday that his ankle made "surprising" progress, with swelling and pain subsiding significantly. As a result, the Hornets are now handling Batum on a game-to-game basis, though it's unclear how realistic a return during this first-round series actually might be. Regardless of what happens Monday, the Hornets and Heat will play Game 5 back in Miami on Wednesday, a matchup that could end up being a potential clinching game for the home team if the Heat are able to take care of business in Game 4. In Batum's absence Monday, the Hornets will stick with the same, larger starting lineup from Game 3 with Al Jefferson, Frank Kaminsky, and Marvin Williams in the frontcourt.