It appears the Miami Heat will be coming in a bit shorthanded in a crucial matchup against the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday.

According to the Heat, fourth-year forward Justise Winslow will be forced to sit this one out due to a thigh issue:

https://twitter.com/MiamiHEAT/status/1107300883161845767

Winslow is dealing with a thigh bruise, which will prevent him from suiting up for the Heat for at least one game. The injury does not appear to be serious, but the team has suspiciously been non-committal regarding the availability of the 22-year-old moving forward.

Updating the previous report, veteran guard Dwyane Wade will be available for the Heat, despite sustaining a minor hip injury in Friday's matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks.

https://twitter.com/MiamiHEAT/status/1107315166016950272

This is arguably one of Miami's most important games of the regular season, as the Hornets are just one game behind them in the standings. With the Heat currently occupying the eighth and final playoff spot in the Easter Conference, a victory against Charlotte would allow them to put some distance between themselves and their Southeast rivals.

The Orlando Magic, who themselves are just one win behind the Heat, will also be in action on Sunday. They will be the favorite in a matchup against a 24-46 Atlanta Hawks side.

Simply put, the Heat's postseason aspirations will take a hit if they fail to secure a home victory against Kemba Walker and company, so Miami will be extremely motivated in this one.