Ray Allen Injury: Updates on Heat Star's Shoulder

Miami Heat sharpshooter Ray Allen will miss time due to a shoulder injury he sustained against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Christmas Day.

The Heat reported via Twitter that Allen will not play in the team’s game against the Charlotte Bobcats. 

"

Ray Allen (right shoulder pain) is inactive tonight. He is listed as day-to-day.

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) December 26, 2012"

UPDATE: Friday, December 28 at 12:35 p.m. ET by Matt Fitzgerald

Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel has the latest on Allen's status, and it's great news for Heat fans:

"

Erik Spoelstra said Ray Allen will play tonight with Mike Miller likely to start in place of Wade.

— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) December 28, 2012"

With Dwyane Wade suspended for Friday's game in Detroit, the Heat will have to shuffle the lineup around a little bit. Allen's presence makes it a lot easier, and the Pistons should be no match for Miami's offensive firepower with Allen confirmed to play.

---End of Update---

Allen only had to briefly leave the game after the injury, and the incident did not appear serious. The nature of the hit, and his status as day-to-day suggest that he will not be off the court for long.

The Heat won the showdown with their NBA finals opponents from last season 103-97.

Since arriving in Miami as a free agent, Allen has been everything the Heat could have hoped for. 

He is averaging 11.7 points per game and shooting 49 percent from the floor. He is also making 45.8 percent of his three-point shots, which would be a career-high for him if he maintains that mark. 

Allen was the Heat’s biggest offseason acquisition. After spending five seasons with the Boston Celtics—who Miami beat in the Eastern Conference finals en route to the 2011-12 NBA title—he switched sides to join forces with one of Boston’s biggest rivals.

His shooting efficiency has helped the Heat to a 19-6 record, which gives them the best winning percentage in the East. With LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh all playing at an All-Star level, Allen has helped lead the Heat’s talented cast of role players and is the team’s fourth-leading scorer.

He has undoubtedly been a valuable part of the team’s success. Check back here for updates on his condition going forward.