Heat's Green available to play vs. Wolves following hospitalization, suspension

The Miami Heat are ready to get Gerald Green back on court.

After serving a team-issued two-game suspension, Green will be available to play Tuesday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The details about the Nov. 4 incident that saw Green hospitalized and, ultimately, suspended are still hazy at best. A police report released last week revealed that a combative Green had punched another man in the eye, and needed to be handcuffed before being transported to a hospital. No reason has been given for why Green had to be hospitalized.

The man Green punched didn't press charges, and Green subsequently issued a public apology.

Between the incident and suspension, Green hasn't played since Nov. 1, Miami's third game of the season. Head coach Erik Spoelstra acknowledges that the reserve swingman - signed for the veteran's minimum this past offseason - will need some time to get back up to speed.

"All we've told him right now is just bring that same approach (great energy and attitude), work to get better, and get back into game shape, and then we'll go from there," Spoelstra told reporters Monday. "So he understands. The game will dictate how he'll be worked back in."

In his first three games with Miami, Green averaged 10.3 points in 21.7 minutes, shooting just 32.3 percent from the field but a robust 41.2 percent from 3-point range. The Heat have gone 4-2 without him, and have won their last three games.

"I'm not trying to step on anybody's toes," Green said of his impending return. "Those guys have been playing well and it's enjoyable to watch them be successful. I'm just ready for whatever role I have."