Malik

Allen

Doctors told him that was normal because of where he got hit, and X-rays of the hip taken Thursday were negative. Allen will be a reserve power forward.

Allen should be able to start walking on a treadmill about 10 days after the operation. The Heat plan to give Shandon Anderson extra minutes to help back up the power forward slot, though it will be Udonis Haslem who will gain the most.

Coach Stan Van Gundy would not comment on Allen’s injury until he received further medical reports.

Allen was due back soon, but the Heat have put off his return for the time being.

Allen was a starter at power forward last season, but he’s expected to play behind Lamar Odom this year. He’s not going to have any fantasy value.

Allen got the nod ahead of Udonis Haslem, Wang Zhi-Zhi and Loren Woods, though coach Stan Van Gundy plans on using all of his available big men while Grant is out.

Allen has been shooting, but is awaiting clearance for full-contact drills.

Allen will be back next year, but general manager John Paxson will have to wait until mid-july to make a decision on forward Othella Harrington’s option. “We have to see what we can do in free agency,’' Paxson said. “That may not allow us to keep him.’'

Allen, who has started 68 games this season, was replaced by Vladimir Stepania last week. Stepania was also in tonight’s game for 15 minutes. Both players scored three points.

Allen said he expects to return to practice in three to four weeks. "[Saturday], I was kind of sore from it, but while I was doing [the rehab], I was pretty much pain free,’' he said.