Dwyane Wade will miss his fourth-straight game on Thursday due to soreness in his knee. The Heat plays the Lakers at 8 p.m.
Wade was ruled out on Thursday morning after the Heat's shootaround at AmericanAirlines Arena. Wade has missed 13 games this season as he recovers from offseason shockwave knee therapy. The OssaTron treatment Wade received this summer is expected to strengthen his knees and help to extend his career, but the full recovery time following the procedure is about six months. Rashard Lewis underwent the procedure last year.
Wade last played on Jan.17 against the Sixers and afterwards scratched himself from the active roster for the next night's game against the Bobcats. He hasn't played since. Wade scored eight poins in each of his last two games.
It has been a trying week for Wade, who addressed his health on Twitter on Wednesday, an off day for the Heat.
"Thanks to every[one] who has been concerned about my health this year," Wade wrote. It's mentally challenging to say the least...But you don't get results by being mentally defeated. I'm in the lab trying to get better everyday for my team."
Wade then posted a hash-tag of "my belief is stronger than doubt."
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra on Thursday morning said Wade's absence from the lineup isn't cause for concern, but this is the longest stretch of inactivity for Wade this season. He sat out two-straight games twice before.
Adding to Wade's sobering week, USA Basketball left Wade off of its player pool for 2014-16, meaning it's highly unlikely that Wade will represent the United States in the 2016 Rio Games. Injuries prevented Wade from competing in the 2012 London Olympics.
On a conference call on Thursday morning, USA Basketball Chairman Jerry Colangelo cited Wade's "physical situation" for not naming Wade to the current U.S. player pool.
"We appreciate the service he gave us ... but it’s time for us to move on," Colangelo said.
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