The Miami Heat could be without Hassan Whiteside for their next game after the center missed Thursday's practice with a sprained ankle.
Whiteside has not missed a game this year and it is unclear when the ankle injury occurred. In Wednesday's loss to the Charlotte Hornets, Whiteside showed no sign of injury. It was however a poor day for the 26-year old in what was a rough game for most of Miami's roster.
In his 20 games this year, Whiteside is averaging a double-double with 12.7 points and 10.4 rebounds. Those averages are career-highs for Whiteside in what could be his final season in Miami. The young center is set to become an unrestricted free-agent following the year and is sure to be a highly sought-after player.
If Whiteside is unable to play in Miami's next game on Friday, it is likely that Chris Bosh would slide over to the center spot. This could result in extra minutes for Josh McRoberts as well as potentially other big men on the roster. McRoberts did not practice either on Thursday, but it was due to rest and not injury.
Not having Whiteside on the court would be a problem for the Heat who have relied on him for a lot of their success this season. Whiteside has been one of Miami's most consistent contributors offensively as well as defensively with his 4.4 blocks per game. Whiteside has 88 blocks in all this year which easily leads the NBA. DeAndre Jordan of the Los Angeles Clippers is second with 57.
Miami will tip-off against the Indiana Pacers on Friday at 8 p.m.
