PHILADELPHIA -- In a decision that could become routine this season, the Miami Heat decided to sit Dwyane Wade Wednesday night against the Philadelphia 76ers because it was on the second night of a back-to-back.
Wade has no official injury and was listed as being out for rest. Roger Mason Jr. started in Wade's place.
Wade, who played 36 minutes and scored 13 points in the Heat's season-opening win against the Chicago Bulls Tuesday, played in just four preseason games and didn't play in any back-to-backs. He has battled knee issues over the last two seasons.
"It was not pre-planned, it was something our trainers and coaches came to me with," Wade said. "It's early in the season, it's just precaution."
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, however, implied this could happen throughout the season. Wade took planned time off in each of the last two seasons to manage or prevent injuries.
"It's really part of a plan, it won't be consistent necessarily all year that he won't play back-to-backs," Spoelstra said. "It's just been a long week, he's just a little bit sore. It's nothing dramatic."
Wade had treatment on his knees over the summer but came to training camp in good shape and had no significant setbacks. He planned to play Friday when the Heat play the Brooklyn Nets.
"The most important thing is his health," LeBron James said. "If he needs to take the second game of the season, the 30th game, the 50th game, the 80th game, then that's the way it is."
