Heat's Chris Andersen excused for personal absence

The Miami Heat will be without backup center Chris Andersen when they take on the Sacramento Kings on Thursday.

Andersen has been excused for a personal absence. He's expected to return on Saturday.

Due to the emergence of Hassan Whiteside, the 37-year-old Anderson has only played 13 minutes this season across two games. He's a dependable contributor on defense and a reliable finisher around the basket in limited minutes, but he finds himself buried on the Heat's depth chart this year.

The Heat have also explored trading Andersen in their continued efforts to duck below the luxury tax threshold, but his $5 million price tag and declining performance has thus far dissuaded suitors.