Dwyane Wade Will Sit out vs. 76ers to Rest Knee

Dwyane Wade will reportedly sit out the Miami Heat's Wednesday night game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, the veteran shooting guard isn't missing the game due to an injury. Rather, he is getting a break after playing 36 minutes against the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night in the season opener.

Bleacher Report's Ethan J. Skolnick reported that Wade's knee is a little sore coming off of the victory over the Bulls.

The decision was made after Wade met with Miami's trainers.

This news shouldn't come as a huge surprise to Heat fans. Wade has long been one of the most physical guards in the league and has put a lot of mileage on his legs as a result. With so much wear and tear on his body, Wade, 31, was limited to 69 regular-season games last year and 49 games in the lockout-shortened 2011-12 season.

Despite that, there's no reason to panic from the fans' perspective.   

We've seen San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich sit his aging veterans Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker during the regular season for several years, while Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers did the same with Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett in Boston. This is not an uncommon practice in the NBA.

Most likely, the Heat are taking every precaution necessary with Wade to ensure he's fresh for the postseason, when Miami's push for a third consecutive NBA title will truly begin. That way they can limit his exposure to doing serious damage to his body during the regular season.

In addition, the Sixers look like one of the worst teams in the league on paper. Miami should be able to prevail, even without a player of Wade's ability on the court.

Now the star guard should be refreshed and ready for when the Heat battle the Brooklyn Nets on the road Friday night.