Miami Heat defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves last night as they finally entered the playoff picture. However, even though they won the game, they lost something much more valuable, which is their shooting guard Dion Waiters.
Waiters injured his ankle while driving to the rim in the second quarter and he had to be taken to the locker room. The guard did not return to the game and the Miami Heat had to keep playing without him. Fortunately for Miami, rest of the team kept playing hard and they stepped up in Dion's absence, winning the game 123 to 105.
This is the same ankle injury Dion Waiters suffered earlier
What makes this injury really bad is that it's the same injury Waiters has earlier in the season. Coincidentally, he suffered his first Ankle Injury against the same opponent, Minnesota Timberwolves. As a result, Waiters was sidelined for a week and he missed three games during that period.
Spo said Dion Waiters sprained same left ankle he hurt in Minnesota. Said there's no timeline. Feels it's the same severity
— Manny Navarro (@Manny_Navarro) March 18, 2017
Last night's injury looked awful for the 25-year old shooting guard, as he had to be carried to the locker room. It is very unlikely that he will be available for the Heat's next game on Sunday, but everyone is hoping that he will be back before the 5-game home stand ends.
Waiters' ankle injury is not severe
There is some room for optimism for the Miami Heat and Dion Waiters, as his ankle injury is not as bad as it looked like. Waiters had x-rays taken on his ankle and they returned negative, which means that he did not suffer fracture or something similar. However, the shooting guard will still have to sit out some time as his ankle could get in a worse condition if he forces it.
Heat saying a sprain: INJURY UPDATE: D. Waiters (left ankle sprain) had x-rays taken & results returned negative. He will not return.
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) March 18, 2017
Dion Waiters is one of the best Miami Heat players this season and his absence could be costly for the Heat, who are chasing the playoffs. Prior to this injury, Waiters averaged career-high in every major statistical category and he is having a breakout season. After all, the Heat started their 13-game win streak after he returned from his first injury, which is another testament of how valuable he is to the team.