Three starters potentially out for season opener
MIAMI — The Miami Heat will open the 2018-19 season at a deficit, possibly without three starters and a sixth man.
Forward Justise Winslow again was limited in Tuesday’s practice at AmericanAirlines Arena due to hamstring tightness that has been an ongoing issue, with coach Erik Spoelstra calling him doubtful for Wednesday’s opener against the Orlando Magic at the Amway Center.
Spoelstra said that Dion Waiters, James Johnson and Wayne Ellington all would miss the game, barring an unforeseen circumstance with the latter two.
Waiters, who is recovering from January ankle surgery, will not travel for the seasonopening trip to Orlando and Washington, with the Heat playing the Wizards on Thursday night.
Johnson, who is recovering from May hernia surgery, has not had enough contract work, Spoelstra said, after participating in his first full practice since that procedure on Monday.
Ellington, who also missed the entire preseason, remains limited by ankle soreness.
The expected Winslow absence is the biggest surprise, after he was held out of Friday’s preseason finale for what the team termed rest.
“It’s something I kind of felt and I wasn’t sure if it was just tightness or something more than that,” Winslow said Tuesday of the ongoing discomfort. “So we’re just being cautious. Better to miss a couple [games] than a month or something like that. We’re just being super cautious with it and taking it one [game] at a time.
“Everyone wants to win the opener. It’s a kid’s dream to see those lights and play in that first game, but I know how this league works. It’s a long season. But sometimes miracles happen and sometimes you wake up and you feel so much better. So I don’t want to say I’m out or I’m not going to play.”
Spoelstra was more definitive on Johnson.
“We want to get him some more work,” Spoelstra said. “We’re going to bring him. He’s available if there’s a burning circumstance. But, no, he hasn’t done enough contact work yet.”
As for Ellington, Spoelstra said, “I would say probably a little bit more time for that, as well. But he’s really close.”
Ellington said he was disappointed also appreciative of the caution of team’s medical staff.
“I also understand they’re making me see but the the bigger picture and making sure that when I come back there’s no setbacks or anything like that,” he said. “I’m following directions and I trust our medical staff and our training staff. I know they got my best interests and sometimes I’ve got to relax myself a little bit and just prepare for the long haul.”
Spoelstra said he remains confident with his options.
“I feel more comfortable with this roster than I have in previous years, when we’ve had new teams,” he said. “I feel comfortable with the guys. I’ve seen a lot of different rotations through training camp, but I’ve also seen it last year. No, I’m not uneasy about it.”