When reserves perform as well as Heat forward Udonis Haslem has, it usually warrants a promotion.

Instead, efforts such as Haslem's career-high-tying 28 points and 12 rebounds in Saturday's victory against New Jersey only verifies coach Erik Spoelstra's decision to continue to bring the veteran off the bench.

Asked if he might reconsider the move to replace Haslem in the starting lineup with Michael Beasley in light of recent performances, Spoelstra said he would stand pat.

``It's given us a little more balance,'' Spoelstra said of Haslem's presence with the Heat's second unit. ``It's one heck of a punch. It's given our second unit a tremendous amount of confidence. He's also learning how to be more aggressive with the unit.''

A demotion of sorts is proving to be best for both Haslem and the bench. His season averages of 12.4 points and a team-high 9.7 rebounds anchor a bench that is producing 22.8 points and 24.4 rebounds in nine games.

Haslem has been cast in the role of a go-to player, an offensive threat when he is on the court at times with reserves Carlos Arroyo, Daequan Cook, Dorell Wright and Joel Anthony.

Haslem's 12 made field goals against the Nets were the most of his career, and his 21 attempts were one shy of his career-high mark. The offense has a way of finding Haslem when he is on the court. He no longer hesitates to score when the ball comes his way.

Being a 20-10 (points-rebounds) player for the first time in his career appeals to Haslem. But he insists his increased opportunities have come within the team's system.

``[Saturday], I was a 20-10 guy,'' Haslem said. ``Some nights I take seven or eight shots. But I took 20 and all 20 were good shots. I got into a rhythm. I know when I can affect a game. When I come in, I know what I need to try to bring to the table.''

INJURY UPDATE

Starters Mario Chalmers (shoulder) and Jermaine O'Neal (hip) received extensive treatment Sunday, and both said they expect to be available Tuesday against Oklahoma City.

Chalmers left Saturday's game in the first quarter with a muscle strain in his right shoulder and did not return. O'Neal missed the game with a bruised left hip, an injury he sustained in the fourth quarter of Thursday's game against Cleveland.

Both players will be re-evaluated before Monday's practice, with a final decision on their status likely to come after Tuesday's shootaround.

``It's one of the things where you roll the dice,'' O'Neal said. ``I normally have a high tolerance for pain.''

MOVING ON UP

Dwyane Wade's next start will move him out of a tie with Rony Seikaly (395) and into sole possession of third place in Heat history for career starts. Wade trails only Glen Rice (461) and Alonzo Mourning (458) in starts.