Dwyane Wade Illness: Updates on Heat Star's Status and Return

Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade played against the Utah Jazz on Friday despite an illness that saw him reported as doubtful earlier in the day. He will play against the Nets on Tuesday. 

Continue for updates.

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Wade Will Play vs. Nets

Tuesday, Dec. 16

Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported that Wade would play against the Nets:

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Wade Will Play vs. Jazz

Friday, Dec. 12

Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported that Wade would play:

Joseph Goodman of The Miami Herald had the initial report:

The All-Star guard's prime has been mired by knee injuries, but he's managed to stay relatively healthy this season. A hamstring injury cost him seven games in November, but the Heat have done a good job of keeping his minute count low to have him on the floor.

Wade is averaging 20.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists coming into Friday. While he's not quite at the same efficiency level in the post-LeBron era, he's maintained a 51.9 shooting percentage and has re-emerged as a facilitator. His assist number is the highest it's been since the 2009-10 season—the year before LeBron James and Chris Bosh came to South Beach.

With James back in Cleveland, the Heat are more dependent on Wade's health than ever before. They struggled mightily with Wade out of the lineup earlier this season and have trouble when their two best passers, Wade and forward Josh McRoberts, sit. 

"It has been interesting, this process, and there is that word that has been used and overused around here the past few years," Wade told NBA.com's Sekou Smith of the transition. "But that’s the best word to describe it, really. It’s been a journey and for us it’s been a good change."

Nothing sounds too serious at this point so hopefully Wade will be back on the court soon.

Follow Tyler Conway (@tylerconway22) on Twitter.