Dwyane Wade missed seven games in November and two earlier this month with a strained left hamstring.
Now, his right hamstring is the problem.
The Heat were leading the Bucks by one point when Wade left the game. Miami lost, 109-102.
The setback drops the Heat (20-25) three games behind Milwaukee for sixth in the Eastern Conference and gives them just a 1.5-game buffer for remaining in playoff position.
Wade – who’s averaging 21.7 points and 5.4 assists per game this season – has been instrumental in Miami remaining competitive without LeBron James. Unfortunately, this is just another sign of the 33-year-old’s body breaking down.
If Wade misses more time, the Heat will probably use two-point guard backcourts – featuring Mario Chalmers, Norris Cole and Shabazz Napier – more often. Kurt’s favorite player, James Ennis, would also likely absorb some of Wade’s minutes. That might not trickle down to Chris Bosh playing more, but he could carry a larger offensive load when in the game.
This injury, if serious enough, it could also affect the All-Star game. Wade wasn’t elected a starter, but he should make it as a reserve.