BOSTON – Dwyane Wade is out against the Celtics tonight after falling on his knee on his knee in the Heat’s loss to the Bucks yesterday.
Wade didn’t say how much time he expected to miss, but he indicated he wouldn’t be out long when asked whether this is another chapter in his season.
“Not a chapter,” Wade said. “One page in the book.”
Wade has carried the Heat since Chris Bosh’s season-ending blood clots, so this will require a major adjustment for Miami.
Going big isn’t a viable option. The Heat will also be without Hassan Whiteside (hand) and Chris Andersen (calf).
Expect Goran Dragic to carry a major load.
On the flip side, Isaiah Thomas returns after a eight-game absence. He has emerged as a strong Sixth Man of the Year candidate, and he provides a major spark off the bench.
Boston and Miami are in a tight battle for the final two playoff spots in the Eastern Conference. The current standings:
7. Heat (32-38)
8. Celtics (31-39)
9. Hornets (30-39)
10. Pacers (30-40)
11. Nets (29-40)
So, this game is obviously pivotal. Before it even begins, the odds have turned significantly in Boston’s favor.