Miami Heat forward Derrick Jones Jr. left the Indiana Pacers game on Friday on a stretcher after suffering a head injury.
After undergoing tests, though, Jones Jr. was diagnosed with a neck strain rather than something more serious, per Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.
Good news after scary collision, stretcher: Heat's Derrick Jones Jr. has been diagnosed with a neck strain and will be re-evaluated over weekend.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 15, 2020
The Friday night matchup was an early preview of the Eastern Conference postseason as the Heat will take on the Pacers in the first round of the 2020 playoffs after the playoff play-in series out West wraps up. Miami will likely update Jones Jr.'s playing status before Game 1 of the series.
Jones Jr. entered Friday averaging 8.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assists for the Heat in 58 games. The lefty was also shooting 52.7 percent from the field, 28.0 percent from beyond the arc and 77.7 percent from the free-throw line in 23.4 minutes per night.
The Heat will certainly be careful with Jones Jr. moving forward to preserve their depth. While he's a talented player, it's not the end of the world for Miami if Jones Jr. misses a game or two in the postseason.
Since he becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason, Jones Jr. and his camp may play it safe as well and take a cautious approach with his return with many players already going the same route prior to the restart.
Derrick Jones Jr. entered the NBA in 2016 with the Phoenix Suns. One of the best dunkers in the NBA, the 23-year-old has career averages of 6.8 points and 3.5 rebounds with the Suns and Heat.
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