LeBron James, as well as Chris Bosh, was supposed to get a night off Saturday against the Wizards. Which is like a night off anyway. But that’s not how it worked out.
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra decided to sit LeBron and Bosh as part of his “maintenance” — read: resting — plan. While there is still a chance Miami could catch the Chicago Bulls for the top spot in the East (10 percent chance according to the latest odds), Spoelstra clearly values rest and getting guys healthy more than that longshot chase. It should be noted LeBron was in sweats but was not going to play.
He didn’t need to, with Dwyane Wade in the lineup the Heat should have more than enough to beat the lowly Wizards — until Wade got hurt.
Three minutes into the first quarter Wade, while covering Jordan Crawford, got his hand hit on what looked an innocent play but he clearly and immediately was in pain.
The Heat have announced Wade dislocated the index finger on his left (non-shooting hand). He is done for the game. He may miss more but with it on his non-shooting hand he should be ready for the playoffs.
When Wade went to the locker room after the injury, so did LeBron to get taped up and ready to play if needed. As of halftime his number had not been called and it may not be, but he is ready. The Heat scored only 15 points in the first quarter and trailed 23-15 after one. Washington led 45-37 at the half (thanks to a Crawford half court shot at the buzzer).
