Injury Report Alert: Washington Wizards Miss Key Player For Saturday's Game Against Heat
Washington Wizards to be without Bradley Beal against Miami Heat
The Washington Wizards have announced that All-Star guard Bradley Beal will miss Saturday's game against the Miami Heat due to a left calf strain. Beal suffered the injury during the Wizards' 128-112 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night.
Beal's absence is a major blow to the Wizards (11-27), who are already without starting point guard John Wall (Achilles tendon injury). Beal is averaging 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game this season.
Without Beal, the Wizards will likely start Tomas Satoransky at point guard and Otto Porter at shooting guard. Kelly Oubre Jr. and Jeff Green will likely see increased minutes at forward.
The Heat (19-19) are currently in eighth place in the Eastern Conference, just one game ahead of the Wizards. The Heat have won four of their last five games, including a 105-98 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night.
The Heat are led by All-Star forward Jimmy Butler, who is averaging 20.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game this season. Butler is also one of the league's best perimeter defenders.
Without Beal, the Wizards will have their hands full with Butler and the Heat. The Heat are a well-rounded team with a good mix of size, athleticism and shooting.
The Wizards will need to play a disciplined game and make the most of their opportunities if they want to pull off an upset without Beal.