Heat's James Johnson: To be sidelined for upcoming road trip

The Heat announced that Johnson (shoulder), who has already been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Knicks, will also be sidelined for the team's upcoming three-game road trip, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.

Analysis:

Johnson was diagnosed Monday with a right rotator cuff strain, an injury he indicated he's dealt with in the past, according to Anthony Chiang of the Palm Beach Post. He apparently picked up the injury in the second quarter of the Dec. 1 game against the Jazz, but still played in Saturday's tilt with the Trail Blazers before missing practice Monday. With Johnson not joining the Heat on the road trip, his next chance to play will come Dec. 12 against the Wizards. Along with Johnson, Justise Winslow (wrist), Dion Waiters (groin) and Josh Richardson (ankle) have all been ruled out for the road trip, leaving the Heat extremely thin at either forward spot. That could translate to plenty of extra minutes for Rodney McGruder, Wayne Ellington, Josh McRoberts and Derrick Williams.