Heat guard Justise Winslow to miss ninth straight game because of back issue

The season began with so much promise for the Miami Heat’s Justise Winslow.

This was his first year as the full-time point guard after bouncing around at multiple positions his first four seasons. Injuries, however, have limited his opportunities to blossom.

On Sunday, coach Erik Spoelstra said Winslow will miss his ninth straight game with a strained back. Winslow has now been sidelined for 20 of 30 games this season. There is no timetable on his return.

The Heat have had all sorts of injury issues at point guard because of injuries. Backup Goran Dragic returned Friday after missing nine games due to a groin injury. The good news is undrafted rookie Kendrick Nunn and veteran Jimmy Butler have helped make up for the absence as facilitators. Both have filled in while the Heat were without their top two point guards.

The most frustrating part about Winslow’s absence is his productivity. This season, he has averaged 12.4 points, 7.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists when healthy. When he does return, Spoelstra will now have to adjust the rotation.

Finding room won’t be easy because the Heat are having so much success. At 21-8, they are the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference. Spoelstra has used a nine-man rotation the past few weeks but will need to find a way to work back in Winslow. That could mean reducing minutes for Derrick Jones Jr. and Duncan Robinson, who have both played well during their continued development. It's all part of the challenge of being a coach of the NBA.

The Heat return to action Monday night against the Utah Jazz at AmericanAirlines Arena.