Despite the Miami Heat’s strong late-season push, injuries continue to limit key contributors as they prepare for the NBA Play-In Tournament. One of the biggest concerns remains Andrew Wiggins, a player expected to play a crucial role in the team’s postseason hopes. However, his return to action remains uncertain due to a lingering right hamstring tendinopathy that has kept him sidelined, including during the Heat’s recent victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.
With only eight games remaining in the regular season, Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra emphasized the importance of a cautious approach to Wiggins’ recovery. Speaking with Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald, Spoelstra explained why the team is prioritizing long-term health over a rushed return.
“Different guys are going out at not the most ideal times,” Spoelstra admitted. “I know Wiggs really wants to be out here, and everybody can see it—when he’s on the court, he changes things for us. But we have to be responsible and make sure this doesn’t turn into something worse.”
Wiggins’ last appearance came in a matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, where he logged 32 minutes, scoring 16 points, grabbing five rebounds, and dishing out three assists. However, Heat coaches and medical staff noticed visible signs of fatigue late in the game, raising concerns about his physical readiness.
“By the time we got to the fourth quarter, it looked like he was really pushing through fatigue,” Spoelstra noted. “With intensive treatment, his body should respond.”
As the Heat continue their playoff push, the team is hopeful that Wiggins will return in time to contribute. However, with the Play-In Tournament looming, Miami must balance urgency with caution to ensure that their star wing is fully ready when it matters most. Whether Wiggins will be back in time remains an open question—but the Heat know they need him at full strength if they hope to make a deep run.
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