Last night in the Heat’s loss to the lowly Washington Wizards, in a game where LeBron James and Chris Bosh sat out for rest, Dwyane Wade suffered a finger injury. The Heat later confirmed the injury as a dislocated finger, pending tests. The good news is that X-rays revealed no fracture. It’s just dislocated, and he’s day to day. But for Miami chasing the Bulls for the No.1 spot in the East, don’t expect Wade back before the playoffs begin next weekend.
From ESPN Heat Index:
X-rays on Dwyane Wade’s finger were negative. Dislocation was reset. He’s day-to-day.
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) April 22, 2012
Wade said he’ll be ready to go for start of playoffs. Not sure about last 3 games.
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) April 22, 2012
And that’s that. A “not sure” is as good as a “bloody unlikely” in this instance. The Heat’s decision to sit James against the Wizards (Bosh is legitimately injured) indicates what getting homecourt is on their priority list. They’re a thin team and they have to be healthy for the playoffs. With a painful injury like that, it’s just not worth it to risk exacerbating it. Better to rest Wade’s legs and let the dislocation heal before next weekend. The Heat have done what they can do. It’s time to look ahead to the games that really matter.
