National Basketball Association

Wade expected to play against Bobcats

Published Apr. 8, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Heat guard Dwyane Wade is expected to play in Miami's game Friday night against the Charlotte Bobcats.

Wade has been battling a deeply bruised right thigh for nearly a week. He did not play in Miami's 90-85 loss to Milwaukee on Wednesday, then was able to do some on-court work Thursday and joined the Heat for their shootaround practice Friday morning.

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra says Wade's status will be evaluated again shortly before game time.

Wade is the NBA's No. 3 scorer this season at 25.7 points per game. Miami enters Friday tied with Boston for the No. 2 spot in the Eastern Conference.