Heat's Dwyane Wade (hamstring) will not play in All-Star Game
Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade will not play in the All-Star Game because of a hamstring injury, the team announced on Tuesday.
Wade, 33, has missed the last six games with the injury. He said he will also sit out Wednesday's game against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
"I could play, but it would not be the smart thing to do," Wade said. "We have a run to make after the All-Star break to solidify a playoff seed."
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In 35 games this season, Wade has averaged 21.4 points, 5.4 assists and 3.8 rebounds while shooting 58.7 percent from the field. After starting the previous nine All-Star Games, Wade was selected as a reserve for the first time since 2005.
The Heat are 22-29 and eighth in the Eastern Conference. They have a one-game lead over the Brooklyn Nets for the final playoff spot.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver will select a replacement for Wade in the All-Star Game. Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver and Milwaukee Bucks guard Brandon Knight are two likely candidates to take Wade's spot. On Tuesday, Wade said he wants Knight to be his replacement.
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- Paul Palladino
