In the closing moments of Friday's 96-87 loss to the Detroit Pistons, Kyle Kuzma was visibly exhausted, having played tight on-ball defense for several consecutive possessions. The heavy defensive workload impacted Kuzma's ability to convert on the other end, leading to an 0-of-6 shooting performance for the Wizards' premier scorer in the fourth quarter.
Friday night's loss was the Wizards' 60th of the year, their most since the 2008-09 season. Lying ahead for Washington on Sunday is a clash with the Miami Heat, who are in high spirits following their 142-82 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. If the Wizards are going to have a chance at beating the Heat for a second consecutive time and even the season series, they will need some good news regarding Kuzma's injury status.
Kyle Kuzma's injury status for Miami Heat at Washington Wizards on March 31
On Saturday, the Washington Wizards shared their preliminary injury report ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Heat. Appearing on the report for the first time since last Monday, Kuzma was listed as questionable with a right heel contusion.
Injury report for tomorrow night's game at home. #ForTheDistrict | @ChasenBoscolo pic.twitter.com/bE1u5S1Bvz
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) March 30, 2024
With the team's pursuit of a top draft pick, the team may opt for extra caution with Kuzma's injury. If he is ruled out on Sunday, the game would be Kuzma's fourth absence in the team's past eight games. This season, the 6'9" forward is averaging 22.3 points per game.
Injury report for Miami Heat at Washington Wizards on March 31
As for the rest of the team, Wizards center Richaun Holmes is listed as questionable after missing Friday night's game with a left toe contusion. Tyus Jones, Eugene Omoruyi, and Landry Shamet, who have yet to be ruled out for the season, each remain out on Sunday, continuing their extended absences. Without Jones, Jordan Poole will likely continue to start at point guard for the Wizards, a role the 24-year-old has found plenty of success with in March.
UPDATE : According to an updated injury report from The Athletic's Josh Robbins, the Wizards have ruled Kuzma and Holmes out for Sunday's game against the Miami Heat.
The visiting Miami Heat enter the game with a few injury concerns of their own, including Tyler Herro. Miami's young shooting guard has been out since February 23rd with a foot injury and will not suit up against Washington on Sunday. Caleb Martin will also miss the game, while Duncan Robinson has been upgraded to probable.
#MIAvsWAS INJURY UPDATE: Tyler Herro (foot) and Caleb Martin (ankle) have both been ruled out of tonight's game vs the Wizards.
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) March 31, 2024
Duncan Robinson (facet) is listed as probable.
Nikola Jovic (knee) is available.
Washington Wizards' upcoming schedule
With Sunday's matchup wrapping up the team's March schedule, the Wizards enter the final two weeks of the season with seven remaining games in April. The road ahead includes several tough opponents, including back-to-back matchups with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers.
Tuesday, April 2 vs. Milwaukee Bucks at 7:00 PM ET
Wednesday, April 3 vs. Los Angeles Lakers at 7:00 PM ET
Friday, April 5 vs. Portland Trail Blazers at 7:00 PM ET