The Miami Heat offered both good and bad news regarding the playing statuses of two key players for Monday night’s game in Detroit. Guard Goran Dragic is expected to play, while center Hassan Whiteside has officially been ruled out of the contest.
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https://twitter.com/miamiheat/status/1059485663832219648?s=21
Dragic sat out Saturday night’s road defeat in Atlanta due to continuing pain in his right foot. That decision came after an earlier cortisone shot failed to offer enough relief for the veteran. However, he appeared to show no issues with the foot during Monday’s shootaround. He’s averaged 17.7 points, 5.0 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game in his seven starts.
Whiteside landed awkwardly on his right knee during the loss to Atlanta and saw limited time during the second half. Last season, a bone bruise on his left knee limited him to playing just 54 regular-season games. In his eight games this season, he’s averaged 12.4 points, 14.6 rebounds and 2.8 blocks.
If Dragic is unable to play, Justise Winslow will likely start again in his place. The four-year veteran had his first start of the season on Saturday, after having previously dealt with his own injury issues. He finished with 15 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists
The Heat will be looking to put an end to their three-game losing streak, with the team returning home after the game to prepare for a Wednesday night clash against San Antonio.
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