Just one game after losing power forward James Johnson to a shoulder injury, the Miami Heat are down another player. Shooting guard Rodney McGruder left Saturday night's game against the Detroit Pistons early with a knee injury.
The Heat confirmed the development on Twitter, adding that McGruder wouldn't be able return in the game.
https://twitter.com/MiamiHEAT/status/1099488082162782208
Rodney McGruder played 16 minutes with just two rebounds and no points or assists prior to his exit. For the season, the 27-year-old has averaged 8.3 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists while shooting 40.5 percent overall. He has been the team's primary shooting guard in his third season with Miami.
The Heat are also without small forward Justise Winslow, who is out with a sprained left knee. They have been forced to rely on their depth during this recent stretch of injuries. If McGruder is forced to miss an extended period, Miami will likely fill in with veteran Kelly Olynyk and youngsters Emanuel Terry and Derrick Jones Jr.
The Heat cannot afford another significant injury. They are already stretched thin during a crowded playoff push. At 26-31 entering Saturday, the team is only one game behind the Pistons for the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference.
The Orlando Magic are only half a game behind the Heat, and the Charlotte Hornets only a half game ahead of the Pistons. These four teams are fighting for two playoff spots, and injuries like this could make the difference.
According to ESPN's BPI Playoff Odds, Miami had a 52.2% chance of making the playoffs entering Saturday.
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