Miami Heat center Dewayne Dedmon (plantar fasciitis) is out for Friday night’s road game against the Denver Nuggets. Dedmon would have missed this game regardless because of the league’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
Four Miami players are listed as probable: Kyle Lowry (personal), Jimmy Butler (knee), Gabe Vincent (knee), and Nikola Jokic (back). Both Udonis Haslem (Achilles) and Caleb Martin (ankle) are questionable as well.
Per a few NBA betting sites, the Heat possess the 14th-best odds to win the championship in 2023. Some sportsbooks are giving Cleveland Cavaliers and Philadelphia 76ers better odds.
Heat injury report for tomorrow’s game in Denver:
Out: Dedmon and Yurtseven.
Questionable: Martin and Haslem.
Probable: Vincent, Jovic and Butler.
— Anthony Chiang (@Anthony_Chiang) December 29, 2022
Through 26 games off the bench this season, Dedmon is averaging 6.3 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. Plus, the 10-year veteran is shooting 50.8% from the field and 30.6% outside the arc.
On Nov. 27, in the Heat’s 106-98 win over the Atlanta Hawks, the center scored a season-high 13 points in 15 minutes of action. He finished 6-of-7 (85.7%) shooting from the floor and made one of his two 3-point attempts.
Heat veteran center Dewayne Dedmon (plantar fasciitis) is out against Nuggets on Friday
In Miami’s 110-107 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Nov. 2, the 33-year-old grabbed a season-high eight boards in 16 minutes on the court. In addition to finishing with 10 points and three assists, Dedmon shot 4-of-6 (66.7%) from the field and 2-of-3 (66.7%) from downtown.
During the offseason, Dedmon signed a two-year, $9.02 million contract extension with the Heat. This deal also includes one notable trade restriction. If G.M. Andy Elisburg wanted to trade the seven-foot big man, he’ll have to wait until Jan. 15.
Furthermore, the Nuggets have three players listed as questionable: Aaron Gordon (shoulder), Jamal Murray (rest), and Bruce Brown Jr. (ankle). Of course, Jeff Green (hand) and Collin Gillespie (leg) remain out indefinitely.
Full Nuggets vs Heat injury report:
For Denver; Murray, Gordon & Brown are still questionable with Green out.
Heat will be without Dedmon & Yurtseven while Butler, Vincent & Jovic are probable. Haslem & Martin are questionable. pic.twitter.com/1G4v7aLtys
— T.J. McBride (@TJMcBrideNBA) December 30, 2022
Miami has won seven of its last 10 games, and the team is coming off back-to-back wins. Meanwhile, the Nuggets are one of the hottest teams in the league. They are 8-2 in their past 10 contests. Denver’s 127-126 loss to the Kings on Wednesday night ended its five-game win streak.
While the Heat are 1-7 in their previous eight head-to-head meetings against the Nuggets, they are still 6-2 in their past eight games. As for Denver, the team has won its last six home contests.
Moreover, the Nuggets are 4-1 in their prior five matchups at home versus Miami. According to various sportsbooks, Denver is a 4.5-point favorite at home over Miami. For those wondering, the Heat are 2-7 this season as an underdog.
