While the Miami Heat have been dealing with injuries all season, it’s illness that currently has four members of the team listed as questionable for Sunday’s home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
That could severely limit Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra’s lineup options for the game, with the Heat looking to go above the .500 mark for the first time since Oct. 27.
James Johnson, Wayne Ellington, Udonis Haslem, Derrick Jones Jr out of practice today due to illness. Jones due to a migraine.
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) December 29, 2018
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All questionable for Sunday. https://t.co/uWzy6v0Drj
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) December 29, 2018
Derrick Jones Jr.’s issue is clearly stated as a migraine headache, though the nature of the other illnesses is uncertain. James Johnson’s season debut was delayed because of offseason surgery, with the veteran having played 19 games. In those contests, he’s averaging 7.9 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists, playing just eight minutes in Friday night’s victory over Cleveland.
Wayne Ellington has played in 20 games this season, averaging 8.3 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.1 steals per game. He has struggled with his shooting from the field, connecting on just 35.8 percent of his attempts.
In the case of Udonis Haslem, his absence would have minimal impact on Sunday’s game, since he’s only seen action in three games, averaging 1.3 points and 1.7 rebounds.
Spoelstra’s determination about whether to use any of his ailing players may end up being a game-time decision. After struggling during the early portion of this season, the Heat have warmed up during December, winning 10 of their 14 games during the month, including six of their last seven clashes. Tipoff for the Timberwolves game will be just after 6 p.m. ET.
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