Whiteside is dealing with a minor ankle issue, but coach Erik Spoelstra said the center "could play big minutes" Tuesday against the Spurs, Jason Lieser of the Palm Beach Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Whiteside has come off the bench in each of the last three games since returning from an oblique injury, and he saw just 17 minutes in Sunday's loss to the Clippers. A move back to the starting lineup seems imminent at some point, though Spoelstra declined to comment on when that might happen. Even if Whiteside remains in a reserve role Tuesday, Spoelstra's comments suggest his minutes load could move back up into the low-to-mid-30s.

Whiteside had 10 points (3-5 FG, 4-6 FT) and 10 rebounds in 17 minutes during the Heat's 100-93 loss to the Clippers on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

This was only Whiteside's third game of the campaign in which he failed to record a block. Despite turning in a triple-double on Friday, Whiteside remained in a bench role on Sunday. What's weirder is he saw only 17 minutes despite committing only two fouls. It's unclear whether there was an injury-related reason for his lack of playing time, but it definitely seemed somewhat bizarre.

Whiteside will remain in a bench role Sunday versus the Clippers, Jason Lieser of the Palm Beach Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Whiteside has come off the bench his last two games after sitting out with an oblique injury. That will remain the case again on Sunday, although he's still dominating the minutes at center. He notched 27 minutes during Friday's game and ended up with a triple-double, so despite coming off the bench, he still has a ton of fantasy value. Whiteside is expected to return to the starting lineup at some point in the near future, although coach Erik Spoelstra has not indicated when that will be.

Whiteside went for 10 points (4-8 FG, 2-3 FT), 10 rebounds, and 10 blocks in 27 minutes during the Heat's 98-95 win over the Hornets on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Whiteside came off the bench for the second straight game since he returned from a recent six-game absence with an oblique injury. However, this was his third triple-double with blocks this season, and since he is the only person to do this in the last several seasons, it might be time that such a triple-double should be named after him. Whether he rejoins the starting lineup or not, Whiteside is going to see the majority of minutes at center for Miami so long as he can stay out of foul trouble, and his physical presence at the rim makes one wonder why opponents dare enter his dome so frequently.

Whiteside will come off the bench again Friday against Charlotte, Jason Lieser of the Palm Beach Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Whiteside came off the bench Wednesday in Dallas in his return from a six-game absence, finishing with 10 points, nine rebounds, and five blocks in 17 minutes. However, even with the oblique injury seemingly behind him, Whiteside will come off the bench again Friday, as the Heat stick with Amar'e Stoudemire as the starter. It's unclear how long that will continue, but Whiteside figures to reclaim his starting spot at some point in the near future.

Whiteside (oblique) contributed 10 points (5-5 FG), nine rebounds, five blocks, one assist, and one steal in 17 minutes during the Heat's 93-90 win versus the Mavericks on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Returning from a six-game absence with an oblique strain, Whiteside played only 17 minutes thanks to the fact that he committed five fouls. Even so, he managed to make his impact felt, connecting on all five of his shots while boarding and blocking at an exceptional level. Whiteside and company have Thursday off before the Heat are back in action on Friday against the Hornets.

Whiteside (oblique) is expected to return and come off the bench Wednesday versus the Mavericks, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

After a six game absence it appears Whiteside will make his return to the court Wednesday. Seeing that it is expected he will come off the bench, it is safe to assume he will be on some sort of minute restriction. The Heat will likely play it very cautious due to the big man's hip injury, so it would be wise to avoid returning him to your lineups just yet. However, this is obviously a positive step forward, and we will have a much better idea on Whiteside's status going forward following the game.

Whiteside (oblique) is considered questionable for Wednesday's matchup with the Mavs, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

Whiteside missed his sixth straight game Tuesday night in Houston, and at this point it seems rather unlikely that he'll be able to return as the Heat play on the second night of a back-to-back set. Amar'e Stoudemire is again listed as the starting center on the Heat's pregame notes, though that's subject to chance should Whiteside's condition improve over the next several hours. The 26-year-old was able to go through limited work at Tuesday's shootaround, an indication that his strained left oblique is improving.

Whiteside (oblique) has been ruled out for Tuesday's matchup with the Rockets, Jason Lieser of the Palm Beach Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

As expected, Whiteside will miss his sixth straight game as he continues to nurse an oblique injury. That means Amar'e Stoudemire would appear to be in line for another start, while Josh McRoberts could see increased time off the bench with Chris Bosh playing more center. The Rockets will also be without their starting center, Dwight Howard, who has been suspended one game for making contact with an official over the weekend.

Head coach Erik Spoelstra hinted that he does not expect Whiteside (oblique) to play in the Heat's next game Tuesday, Jason Lieser of The Palm Beach Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Whiteside's status for Tuesday's game may not be officially determined for another day or two, but early indications are he will miss a fifth straight game. Amare Stoudemire figures to continue starting at the center position for as long as Whiteside is sidelined.