Even though it's still the first month of the new season, the Miami Heat have already dealt with numerous injury problems. Rodney McGruder will be out for a few months as he will have to have a surgery, but the Heat may also be without Hassan Whiteside and Dion Waiters for a longer period. While both of them are listed as day-to-day, they are dealing with seemingly serious injuries and the Heat are hoping they won't have to miss many games.
Hassan Whiteside, who has appeared in only one game this season, has been ruled out for the Heat's next game.
Whiteside has suffered a knee injury during the season opener and this will be the fourth straight game he will miss. Without their superstar center, the Miami Heat will be in a bad position as he is the best rebounder in the league and also one of the best defenders.
Hassan Whiteside's status
Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra announced Hassan Whiteside will not play against the Boston Celtics. Miami will play their fourth straight game at home as they will host the Celtics, but Whiteside's absence could cost them a lot.
Boston Celtics haven't been doing great this season either as they are 3-2 so far. While it's still too early to predict their final record, there is no doubt they will struggle without Gordon Hayward, who will most likely miss the entire season.
However, they still have Kyrie Irving and a few more young and talented players, so they will be a tough team to beat for Miami.
As for the Heat, it will be interesting to see who will replace Hassan Whiteside. Spoelstra first went with Jordan Mickey, but rookie Bam Adebayo started in the last game. While neither of them is as good as the 7-foot rim protector, they can do a solid job.
Whiteside had a monster game in the season opener as he grabbed 22 rebounds and scored 26 points, but his knee injury seems to be serious and it is unknown when he will be back to action.
Heat vs. Celtics
Boston Celtics are 69-44 against the Miami Heat in their all-time games and they swept the series last season. Considering that Hassan Whiteside will be out, the Celtics are favored to win their 70th game against the Heat.
These two teams have also met a few times in the playoffs and the Heat are 9-8 against them in postseason games.
With both teams shorthanded, fans will see a tough and intense game Saturday night. While the Heat have a home court advantage, the key to their win will be stopping Kyrie Irving as he can singlehandedly carry the Celtics to a victory.
