Dion Waiters' ankle injury is a lot worse than previously imagined. After further evaluation, the team announced Waiters will miss the rest of the year after undergoing surgery.

The recovery window is about 4-6 months so he should be well on track to return at the start of 2018-19.

Winners of 6 straight, Miami is already treading water w/o their starting guard. A team heavily reliant upon depth, Coach Erik Spoelstra will continue to come up w/ inventive ways to replace his production and stay highly competitive. Look for Wayne Ellington, Josh Richardson & Tyler Johnson to primarily rotate at the 2.

Waiters, 26, has career averages of 13.3 points, 2.8 dimes & 2.7 boards/night.