Whiteside (oblique) is optimistic that he'll be able to play Friday against the Bucks, Jason Lieser of the Palm Beach Post reports. "I'm hoping so," Whiteside said, in regards to a Friday return. "I think so. Fingers crossed."

EDGE Analysis

Whiteside missed his third straight game Tuesday against the Nets with a strained left oblique muscle, but the center showed his first signs of progress by getting in a workout prior to the contest. He'll likely test out his oblique over practices the next two days before the Heat provide another update on his status at Friday's morning shootaround. If Whiteside is cleared to return Friday, he'd likely take back his spot in the starting lineup, sending Amar'e Stoudemire back to the second unit.