Heat list Whiteside as probable for Thursday with hand cut

MIAMI (AP) NBA rebounding leader Hassan Whiteside is listed as probable for Miami's game against Toronto on Thursday, despite a laceration on his right hand

MIAMI (AP) NBA rebounding leader Hassan Whiteside is listed as probable for Miami's game against Toronto on Thursday, despite a laceration on his right hand that needed 13 stitches to repair.

Whiteside was hurt late in Miami's win over Phoenix on Tuesday. He had a bandage around his hand Wednesday, and says his hope is that he can play against the Raptors.

Whiteside will be evaluated again Thursday before a final decision is made.

It's a critical time for the Heat, who have overcome an 11-30 start and trying to hold on to an Eastern Conference playoff spot with 11 games left.

Whiteside had a similar cut, also on his right hand, two seasons ago and missed three games. He's averaging 16.8 points and a league-best 14.2 rebounds per game this season.