Friday we let you know of reports indicating Zydrunas Ilgauskas was on his way back to recovery from that grotesque foot injury he sustained when he stepped on a nail. Now comes word that ESPN reports Ilgauskas is expected to return to action Sunday against Houston for the first time in eight games.
Ilgauskas’ return coincides with the Heat making one final push at legitimacy, as they’ve begun playing their best ball. Houston is desperate for a win, trying to keep stride with Memphis for the final playoff spot, just a game and a half back of the 8th in the West.
Ilgauskas isn’t going to be a game changer for the Heat, who have improved largely thanks to increased contributions from the Triad. But when we look at the Heat starting to take shape as a fully healthy team for once, and with Udonis Haslem maybe possibly, conceivably coming back at some point, at least there’s some hope for Heat fans that the full roster that was envisioned in the preseason will get some time before the playoff starts.
If nothing else, Ilgauskas will limit the amount of time Joel Anthony will be on the floor. Anthony has shown some better offensive skills lately. Unfortunately, he’s also shown to be wretched in nearly every other area on the floor. Ilgauskas will help to contain the damage Anthony can do to the Heat while on the floor.
