CLEVELAND -- Miami star Dwyane Wade bruised his left knee in the first half against Cleveland, a potentially damaging blow to the Heat's shaky playoff hopes.
Wade was driving on the right side of the lane midway through the second quarter when his right knee buckled and he dropped to the floor, awkwardly bending his left knee.
As play continued at the other end, Wade stayed on his back and grabbed his left knee. He got up slowly, walked gingerly to the bench as concerned teammates looked on and then favored his left leg as he went to the locker room.
At halftime, a team spokesman said Wade bruised his knee but offered no other specifics about the injury. Coach Erik Spoelstra was briefed about Wade's injury as he walked down the hallway back to Miami's bench.
Wade had fluid drained from that knee on Saturday. He has also been dealing with a stomach bug and was a game-time decision against Cleveland.
Miami is battling for a playoff spot and the four-time defending Eastern Conference champions can't be without Wade, who has won three NBA titles. He has missed 19 games this season with a variety of ailments.
The injury is nothing new for the Heat, who lost All-Star forward Chris Bosh for the season with blood clots.
Miami entered Thursday's action tied for seventh in the conference standings, one-half game ahead of No. 9 Boston. The Heat play at Detroit on Saturday and Indiana on Sunday.
