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.