National Basketball Association

Wade out as Heat face Cavaliers

Published Mar. 18, 2014 6:43 p.m. ET

foxsports

CLEVELAND (AP) Miami All-Star guard Dwyane Wade is not playing against the Cavaliers to rest his knees.

Wade has played in 48 of 64 games this season as the Heat have managed his minutes so they can have him fresh for the playoffs and a run at a third straight NBA title. Miami coach Erik Spoelstra did not say anything about Wade's status before the game. The Heat announced Wade would not play about 30 minutes before tip-off.

Wade last missed a game on March 3. He played 34 minutes Sunday against Houston.

The Heat have rested Wade in back-to-back situations. Miami is at Boston Wednesday night.

The Cavs are without All-Star Kyrie Irving and forward Luol Deng. Irving is out two weeks with a biceps injury. Deng has a sprained ankle.