The Miami Heat could very well have Justise Winslow back in their lineup as soon as Wednesday night after the fifth-year forward practiced with the team on Tuesday.
Winslow has missed the last nine Heat games after sustaining a concussion during the team’s Nov. 5 road loss to the Denver Nuggets. That injury came as a result of Winslow’s collision with Paul Millsap during the contest.
In the two games prior to the Denver clash, Winslow also sat out because of injury, though that was related to issues with his lower back. Due to the nature of Winslow’s current injury, he needs to pass through the NBA-mandated concussion protocol before he’s allowed to play again.
Those injuries sidetracked what had been an impressive beginning to the 2019-20 season for Winslow, who had started all five of the games in which he appeared. In those contests, Winslow averaged 13.8 points, 8.0 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game.
Despite Winslow’s absence, the Heat have continued to thrive, entering their Wednesday game against the Rockets with a 12-4 record on the season. Their most recent victory came on Monday night as they defeated the Charlotte Hornets 117-100 at American Airlines Arena.
The win over the Hornets kept the Heat’s home record spotless at 7-0 on the season. While Wednesday’s game is on the road, Winslow’s potential return to the court could give him a hometown advantage the Heat will need to win the game.