Heat's Josh Richardson: To return after All-Star break

Richardson (ankle) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Rockets, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Analysis:

Richardson missed his 18th straight game Monday against the Magic with the sprained left ankle, but it appears the injury is just about behind him, as he was a full participant in the team's practice Tuesday It sounds like Richardson was trending toward being available Wednesday, but because the injury-plagued Heat used a roster exception to add a player (Marcus Georges-Hunt), Richardson must remain out a full two weeks since the addition before he's able to play again. As a result, he'll sit out Wednesday, and with the Heat off the following week due to the All-Star break, it's expected that Richardson will be ready to go for the Feb. 24 matchup with the Hawks. Coach Erik Spoelstra may limit Richardson's playing time in his first few games, but once he's back to full strength, he may infringe on the minutes of Rodney McGruder, Wayne Ellington and Dion Waiters.