The Miami Heat will be hoping to snap their two-game losing streak when they face the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday. That is easier said than done, as the Lakers are coming into the matchup on the back of a seven-game winning streak.
Unfortunately for the Heat, they have been dealt an injury blow heading into the Lakers game. Jaime Jaquez Jr. has been ruled out due to a hip issue, and he will miss this game for the Heat.
Jaquez is currently enjoying his most productive season and is averaging 15.0 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 28.6 minutes. Those are career-high numbers in each category.
Jaquez's production has made him a contender for the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year. This will be the first game that Jaquez will miss since the Heat's loss against the Golden State Warriors on the road back on Jan. 19.
It is worth mentioning that Jaquez did not have a great performance in the Heat's last game against the Charlotte Hornets. He was able to put up just six points, one rebound and six assists in his 20 minutes on the court.
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Heat fans will be hoping that this is not an issue that will keep Jaquez out of action for any considerable length of time. He is an integral part of this team and one of the keys to Miami's success this season.
In the absence of Jaquez, there is a possibility that Simone Fontecchio could get some solid game time against the Lakers. He had a decent showing against the Hornets, putting up 10 points, two rebounds, and an assist in 24 minutes of action. His efficiency needs to improve, though, as he shot just 33.33% from the field.
The Heat host the Lakers on Thursday, with tip-off set for 8 p.m. ET.
