Dragic is closer to returning
MIAMI – Goran Dragic has moved one step closer to a return, with the Miami Heat guard upgraded Thursday to questionable for Friday’s game against the New York Knicks at American-Airlines Arena.
Dragic has missed the past nine games with a strained right groin, with the Heat 6-3 over that stretch.
Still sidelined is forward Justise Winslow, who is listed out for the Knicks game, which will be his eighth missed due to a lower-back strain.
Off of the injury report is forward James Johnson, who missed the Heat’s just-completed threegame trip due to what the team listed as “personal reasons.” Johnson has not played since Nov. 27 against the Houston Rockets, held out of the following eight games before his three-game personal leave.
Still out is guard Dion Waiters, who has the Knicks game and Monday’s home game against the Utah Jazz remaining on his sixgame team suspension, eligible to return for the Dec. 27 game against the visiting Indiana Pacers.
After calling up Daryl Macon for Wednesday night’s road victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, the Heat returned the guard on a two-way contract to the G League, where he is participating in the league’s annual Winter Showcase in Las Vegas, along with Heat second-round pick KZ Okpala.
Knicks’ injury report for Friday vs. Heat:
■ Kadeem Allen (G League) out
■ Ignas Brazdeikis (G League) out
■ Reggie Bullock, (Neck; Cervical disc herniation) out
■ Wayne Ellington (Left Achilles; Sore) out
■ Frank Ntilikina (Illness) probable
■ Ivan Rabb (G League) out
■ Julius Randle (Left leg; Sore) probable
■ Allonzo Trier (Head; Concussion) questionable