Justise Winslow Injury: Updates on Heat SG's Ankle and Return

Miami Heat swingman Justise Winslow did not play in Tuesday's game against the Detroit Pistons due to an ankle injury. However, he's ready to make his return.

Continue for updates.

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Winslow Active vs. Celtics

Wednesday, April 13

Winslow told reporters he will play Wednesday against Boston.

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Winslow Promising Despite Inconsistent Rookie Campaign

In his first season, Winslow has turned in an up-and-down rookie campaign. From an offensive perspective, his numbers are troubling. He's averaging 6.4 points and 5.1 rebounds across 28.6 minutes per game, making him one of the least effective per-minute scorers in basketball. The former Duke star has been shooting below 40 percent for most of the season and has been a marked minus from three-point range.

On the other hand, Winslow has been an absolute menace on the defensive end. The Heat transform into an elite defensive team whenever he's on the floor and a below-average unit with him on the bench, per Basketball-Reference.com.

"It's a lot harder to come in and be known as a defender," Heat guard Dwyane Wade said, per Shandel Richardson of the Sun Sentinel. "It's not many guys that come in and can be known as a guy who can guard LeBron [James], guard 'Melo [Carmelo Anthony], guard James Harden. It's not many guys who come in the league that as a rookie you feel comfortable that they can do that. He has the makeup for it."

His presence makes things easier for Wade, who can take breathers on defense with Winslow on the floor, and he helps avoid exposing the Heat's obvious depth problems.