Waiters’ ankle has him listed as questionable

MIAMI — Heat center Hassan Whiteside and guards Rodney McGruder and Dion Waiters did not practice Thursday, but all traveled with the team for tonight’s game against the Orlando Magic.

Whiteside was sidelined with a stomach illness, McGruder a knee bruise and Waiters a sore ankle. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra listed Whiteside and McGruder as probable and Waiters as questionable.

“If guys can get out there and compete they’re going to try to play,” Spoelstra said. “… [Waiters] is getting treatment. He’s been able to manage pain before. We’ll see.”

Backup center Willie Reed is doubtful due to ankle bursitis and will likely miss his third consecutive game.

“Willie was able to go through practice,” Spoelstra said. “Not full speed, not full contact. But he was able to do some court work. Obviously that was a good sign.”

Without Reed, the Heat have turned to forward Okaro White as the replacement at center. If Waiters is unable to play, guards Tyler Johnson and Josh Richardson will play extended minutes.

“Like every other game, no excuses,” guard Goran Dragic said. “Other guys need to step in … We know [Tyler Johnson] is going to be ready. We know J-Rich is probably going to see more minutes. We’ll see. We still don’t know if we’re going to have him until [Friday].”