Miami Heat have been one of the most injury-prone NBA teams in recent years, and it seems that things won't be any different this season. Last year, the Heat dealt with numerous injuries, but they still managed to finish with a .500 record and be one of the best teams in the league in the second half of the season. Three players were forced to miss the entire season, while many other players missed 20 or more games.
This season, it doesn't seem that things will be different as Miami already lost two players to an injury. It all started with Rodney Mcgruder who suffered an injury in the preseason.
McGruder will have to have a surgery and is expected to miss three to six months. Beside the guard, the Heat will also be without Hassan Whiteside as the big man is dealing with knee issues.
The injury could be serious
Hassan Whiteside missed only five games last season and was one of the healthiest players on the Heat roster. Unfortunately, it is not very likely that he will play 77 games this season, especially considering that he may miss multiple games due to his knee injury. Whiteside will be out against the Indiana Pacers, but he is hoping to be back for the third regular-season game.
The big man suffered a bone bruise during the season opener against the Orlando Magic. Whiteside said he felt his injury towards the third quarter of the game and that it bothered him a lot.
He said he hit the same spot earlier against the Atlanta Hawks, and that is what made it really painful. The center said his injury was just day-to-day and there is no timetable for his return.
Whiteside also added that being injured is frustrating, but he is thankful that it's nothing worse. “He's doing treatment and he's feeling better.
We'll just have to go from there," commented Erik Spoelstra, Miami's head coach.
The big man was incredible in the season opener and there is no doubt that the Heat will miss his presence. Whiteside had a record-breaking performance against the Magic as he set the Heat record for most rebounds in a season opener with 22. He also scored 26 points, finishing the game with an amazing double-double.
More injury problems for Miami
Hassan Whiteside and Rodney McGruder are not the only players who are dealing with injuries. Dion Waiters might miss the Pacers game due to his ankle injury. However, he went through the non-contact workout and is expected to play in the game. Waiters had 15 points and 4 rebounds in the season opener.
