MIAMI — The Miami Heat will be without veteran power forward P.J. Tucker for the final two games of the regular season and potentially longer.
An MRI revealed a calf strain that the team said will have Tucker sidelined for at least a week. The Heat close out the regular season with games Friday night against the Atlanta Hawks at FTX Arena and Sunday on the road against the Orlando Magic. The playoffs then begin the weekend of April 16-17.
Tucker, 36, has been a staple of the Heat starting lineup, starting in 70 of his 71 appearances. Signed in the offseason to a two-year contract that includes a player option for next season, the 6-foot-5 veteran has helped space the floor with his corner 3-pointers and anchor the defense with his ability to defend opposing power forwards, as well as perimeter scorers.
