Luol Deng (leg) is optimistic about his chances of playing Friday against the Magic, the Palm Beach Post reports.

Deng (leg) is optimistic about his chances of playing Friday against the Magic, the Palm Beach Post reports.

Analysis:

Deng did not play Wednesday against the Spurs after going 2-for-10 from the field in his two games before that. Fortunately for the Heat, this doesn't appear to be a long-term issue, so Deng and his 12.1 PPG should be back in the lineup in short order. Just to be safe, his status is worth checking up on prior to Friday's 10:00 PM ET tipoff.