Andrew Wiggins returns to Heat’s lineup after missing 6 games due to hamstring injury
Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins made his return to the court Wednesday night versus the Chicago Bulls after missing six straight games due to a strained right hamstring.
Since arriving in Miami as part of the trade involving Jimmy Butler and the Golden State Warriors, Wiggins has struggled with health issues, missing half of the 30 games since joining the team.
Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra mentioned he would carefully manage Wiggins’ minutes during the game in Chicago.
Wiggins entered the night averaging 18.2 points and 4.4 rebounds across his combined time with the Warriors and the Heat this season. Specifically with Miami, he’s posted averages of 19.9 points and 4.1 rebounds over 15 games.
This matchup marked the first time since March 27 that the Heat had their core trio—Wiggins, Bam Adebayo, and Tyler Herro—all available for a game. Heading into Wednesday’s contest, both Miami and Chicago held identical records of 36-43, tied for the final two spots in the Eastern Conference play-in race.
The structure of the play-in tournament rewards the ninth-place team with a home game against the 10th seed. The winner of that game then travels to face the loser of the matchup between the seventh and eighth seeds for a chance to advance.
