Point forward Justise Winlsow returns to Heat’s injury report ahead of Wizards game
The Miami Heat will be without Goran Dragic for the third straight game Friday and it could be without another crucial ballhandler.
The Heat is listing Justise Winslow as questionable for its game against the Washington Wizards on Friday at AmericanAirlines Arena. Winslow is dealing with a lower back strain.
Winslow’s injury didn’t seem to hamper him Wednesday in a 112-93 loss to the Boston Celtics. The point forward played 31 minutes off the bench in Boston, going 4 of 10 for 10 points with seven rebounds and four assists.
Winslow also dealt with a back injury earlier this season. He missed two games at the end of October and start of November with back stiffness. He also missed nine games last month with a concussion he suffered against the Denver Nuggets in Denver.
Winslow, who began the season as a starter, hasn’t rejoined the starting lineup since returning from his concussion. The point forward has played five straight games off the bench for Miami, averaging 31.2 minutes per game since he returned.
If Winslow is out, the Heat (15-6) would be left with Kendrick Nunn as the only true point guard on the active roster. Dragic, who has been Miami’s most reliable bench player this season, will miss his third straight game with a right groin strain. The Heat could recall point guard Darryl Macon from G League Sioux Falls if it feels the need to add another guard. It could also create an opportunity for Dion Waiters to make his season debut. The wing hasn’t played since his 10-game suspension ended ahead of the Heat’s game against the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday.
Miami will also be without small forward K.Z. Okpala against the Wizards in Miami. The rookie forward is still dealing with a left Achilles tendon strain, which has kept him out since the third game of the season in October.
This story was originally published December 5, 2019 at 6:16 PM with the headline "Point forward Justise Winlsow returns to Heat’s injury report ahead of Wizards game."
