Although O’Neal now plays for Phoenix, thus removing him from the replay, the league ruled that the teams may fill openings on their respective 12-player active rosters with anyone acquired since the original game. Miami may thus use Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks, while Atlanta will suit up former King Mike Bibby.

Upon resumption of play, with Atlanta leading 114-111, Miami will have possession. Once the make-up is complete, including additional overtime periods if required, there will be a 15-minute break before the regularly scheduled March 8 game tips off. The replay is critical to Atlanta’s playoff aspirations, but is otherwise irrelevant to the hapless Heat.

Saturday’s replay will represent the first upheld game protest since 1982, when Commissioner Larry O’Brien granted a rematch between the Spurs and Lakers. San Antonio lost the original game by five points, but won the rematch 117-114.

Bill Johnson is a staff member of the Business of Sports Network