Justise Winslow Injury: Updates on Heat SF's Wrist and Return

Miami Heat swingman Justise Winslow hasn't played since Nov. 14 against the San Antonio Spurs due a lingering injury to his left wrist. He suffered the injury early in the season, when he fell on it during an undisclosed game. An official date for his return to the court has yet to be announced. 

Continue for updates.

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Winslow Out vs. Bucks

Thursday, Nov. 17

The Heat announced Winslow will not play against the Milwaukee Bucks Thursday night. It will be his second straight game missed due to the injury.

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Winslow Comments on Injury, Potential Return

Tuesday, Nov. 15

The Miami Herald's Barry Jackson provided Winslow's response when asked if he would miss a week or two of action:

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I don’t know. We’ll see. I don’t want to come back too soon and then I take three steps forward and 10 steps backward. I want to get it to where it's feeling 100 percent, where if I do hit against something, it doesn't hurt. I don't know how long it will take. ...

I was falling too much, landing on it. I was doing my best to play through it. I could play through it, but it's a long season. I want to get healthy. ...

Winslow said life tasks, such as "pushing doors open and driving" have been uncomfortable, but X-rays have ruled out any break in the wrist.

Winslow said he doesn't recall when he injured the wrist but it happened a few weeks ago when he fell on it during a game.

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Heat Must Stay Healthy to Turn Season Around

Losing Winslow for significant time would be a difficult blow for the Heat since he was a productive contributor during his rookie season. The 10th overall pick out of Duke helped Miami reach the postseason as an important part of the rotation on the wing.

Winslow appeared in 78 games last season and averaged 6.4 points and 5.2 rebounds per night. While he is not a dangerous three-point shooter (27.6 percent last season), he can slash to the lane off the bounce and force defenders to collapse on his penetration. He is averaging 11.6 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game in the 2016-17 season.

The 6'7" forward is also a solid defender who has the wingspan to bother outside shooters and the athleticism and lateral quickness to keep up with ball-handlers.

Fortunately for Miami, it does have capable depth on the wing that can help cover for Winslow while he heals.

James Johnson and Tyler Johnson will continue to see more playing time during Winslow's absence.

Miami has talented pieces, but the team must stay healthy if it hopes to correct early-season struggles and make a push for the playoffs.