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Shane Battier injury: Heat forward likely out vs. Spurs

Coach Erik Spoelstra has yet to name a replacement in Miami's starting lineup.

Christian Petersen

Miami Heat forward Shane Battier will likely not play against the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday due to a sprained medial-collateral ligament, coach Erik Spoelstra told The Sun Sentinel. It's also likely Battier could miss the Heat's next game against the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday.

"I doubt he'll play (Thursday)," Spoelstra said. "But he's day to day."

Battier missed a second consecutive practice Wednesday due to the injury, which he suffered last Saturday during Miami's 110-108 win against the Cleveland Cavaliers. During the game against the Cavaliers, Battier collided with teammate Udonsis Haslem after taking a charge.

"We haven't played without him in a long time," guard Dwyane Wade told The Sun Sentinel. "We have to just get adjusted to that. We're used to what he brings to the game for us. Whoever comes in obviously isn't going to be able to bring what Shane brings ...We've got to kind of make up for some things he does. It will be hard but we have the personnel."

As of Thursday morning, Spoelstra had yet to name a replacement for Battier, who was averaging 26.5 minutes and seven points per game, in the Heat's starting lineup.

The Heat host the Spurs on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET. The game will be televised by TNT.

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