Heat bench Haslem to start Beasley

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MIAMI (AP) -- Longtime starting forward Udonis Haslem has been relegated to a backup role on the Miami Heat, with coach Erik Spoelstra calling it a "difficult and uncomfortable" decision.

Spoelstra released his starting lineup Wednesday morning, hours before the Heat's season-opener against the New York Knicks. Reigning NBA scoring champion Dwyane Wade and Mario Chalmers start at guard, Jermaine O'Neal at center, Quentin Richardson at small forward and Michael Beasley at power forward.

Beasley takes the spot Haslem has held for five seasons. He came off the bench for much of his rookie year but, has been a mainstay with the first-team since, including in Miami's 2006 championship season.

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