Heat Battling Injuries Before Playoff Run
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The Miami Heat are almost a walking M.A.S.H unit after some very physical games in the past week, most notably Tuesday night against the Phoenix Suns.
Heat forward LeBron James was left with a stinger in his right elbow after he crashed to the court following a shot attempt in the first quarter of the Suns game. Later in the game, James and Suns forward Grant Hill collided sending both men to the floor.
While he had a headache after the collision, the Heat said James has passed all tests and will be ready to play against the Detroit Pistons.
The Heat are also expected to get center Joel Anthony back in the lineup Friday night after he was held out Tuesday due to a sprained left ankle. Anthony will continue to run with the starters, at least until newly acquired Ronny Turiaf is ready to play.
Finally, shooting guard Mike Miller will miss the three-game trip with the Heat as they play Detroit, Oklahoma City, and Indiana. Miller is also dealing with a sprained left ankle, but his condition has been slow to improve.
Miller has missed a lot of the games ever since he was signed with the Heat for more than $5 million per season. He could become a candidate to be amnestied this offseason if he can't get his health in order for the playoff run.
(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
