Justise Winslow still out for Heat. But Bam Adebayo expected to play Sunday vs. Bulls
Justise Winslow’s strained lower back kept him out for a second consecutive game Sunday against the Bulls.
The Heat forward has missed 13 games because of various injuries this season, with nine of those absences coming because of a concussion. Winslow is averaging 12.4 points on 39.4 percent shooting, 7.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 10 games this season.
The Heat did have center Bam Adebayo on Sunday, though. Despite being listed as questionable with a right groin contusion suffered in Friday’s win over the Wizards, Adebayo was expected to play against the Bulls.
The Heat remained without guards Goran Dragic (strained right groin) and Dion Waiters (sick), and forward KZ Okpala (strained left Achilles) on Sunday.
Dragic missed his fourth consecutive game with his injury, which he suffered in the Heat’s road win over the Nets on Dec. 1. Meanwhile, Waiters, who has yet to play this season, has been unavailable for two consecutive games because of an illness that isn’t considered long term.
Okpala’s Achilles injury has forced him to miss 19 consecutive games, but Spoelstra said recently the rookie is nearing a return. The Heat’s plan is to send Okpala to its G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce, when he’s healthy to get him game experience.
The Bulls are without center Cristiano Felicio (fractured right wrist), forward Chandler Hutchison (sprained right shoulder) and forward Otto Porter Jr. (bone bruise on left foot) for Sunday’s game against the Heat.
