Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow is set to make his return.
The cosmic cycle of the Miami Heat’s injury woes is beginning to balance out.
24 hours after receiving the news that Dion Waiters will undergo season ending ankle surgery, Heat Nation was blessed with the return of Justise Winslow, who will suit up against the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday.
After missing the last 14 games with a left knee strain, the third-year forward is finally ready to play, bringing another do-it-all player to Miami’s already deep squad.
Though the argument of rest-versus-rust might be relevant for his first game back, Winslow seems confident that he’ll return better than ever.
"“It’s going to feel good,” Winslow said. “I’ve been out for awhile rehabbing, trying to get stronger. Even today being out in practice it felt good, just being out there competing. I’m excited to get out there tomorrow.”"
Fortunately, Winslow’s confidence isn’t misplaced. Though he’s suffered a share of injuries in his short NBA career, Winslow has a penchant for returning stronger. Following a torn labrum in his right shoulder in the 2016-17 season, Winslow returned to action with a renewed vigor, encompassed by improved aggression around rebounding and making smart passes, all while bumping up his scoring.
Expected to be eased back into Miami’s lineups, Winslow also returns at a crucial part of the season, when the Heat still have time to tinker with it’s five-man rotations. One of Winslow’s biggest assets to Miami is his versatility on defense, capable of locking down speedy guards and handling some post assignments.
With Hassan Whiteside, Kelly Olynyk and Bam Adebayo sharing minutes at the center spot, Winslow’s return marks an opportunity for the Heat to reup on a small-ball rotation. Though Miami ranks 28th in the league in pace at just under 97 points per 100 possessions, a smaller lineup bolstering Winslow and James Johnson at the four and five, could allow the Heat to run and gun on the hardwood.
The matchup against the Bucks is also a great time for the Heat to reassess Winslow after the missed time. Milwaukee prefers running an offense in the halfcourt set, so Winslow should have plenty of chances to readjust to game speed.
Additionally, guarding scorers like Eric Bledsoe and Khris Middleton will allow Winslow to re-engage Miami’s defensive rotations in a high-stakes game. The Bucks are just two games back from Miami, currently seventh in the Eastern Conference. But they struggle on the road, so the Heat should be able to capitalize playing at the AmericanAirlines Arena.
Next: Turning up the Heat: Big plays and clutch shots for Miami
Though not through the woods yet, an injury plagued season might finally be looking up, as Miami seeks to continue its assault through the East ahead of the All-Star break.