Wade says he'll return for the Heat on Friday

Dwyane Wade went through a full practice on Wednesday, and - as expected - says he'll return to game action when the Heat commence play against the New York Knicks on Friday, according to ESPN's Ira Winderman.

Wade has missed the past seven games due to a hamstring strain, but the Miami Heat's nine-day All-Star break has allowed him to rest up, heal and prepare for the stretch run.

Wade, who hasn't cracked the 70-game plateau since 2010-11, has missed 16 games this season, but has largely been his productive self when healthy, averaging 21.4 points and 5.4 assists on 48.7 percent shooting. His 22.4 PER is second among all NBA shooting guards.

As they try to solidify an Eastern Conference playoff spot down the stretch, the Heat are looking to put a consistent run of good health together for the first time this season. Chris Bosh missed Wednesday's practice due to illness, but Shawne Williams appears ready to return from a hip injury that cost him five games, while swelling in Hassan Whiteside's ankle has reportedly subsided.

At 22-30, the Heat are tied with the Charlotte Hornets for the East's eighth and final playoff seed, a game up on the Brooklyn Nets and a game-and-a-half up on the Boston Celtics.