MILWAUKEE -- Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade is questionable for Game 4 of the best-of-seven playoff series Sunday against the Milwaukee Bucks as he continues to receive treatment on his sore right knee.
Wade sat out of most of the Heat's practice on Saturday at Marquette University, and coach Erik Spoelstra said the veteran guard's status likely won't be determined until just before Sunday afternoon's game. Miami has a 3-0 series lead and is looking to complete its first playoff series sweep since Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh became teammates before the 2010-11 season.
Wade received treatment during most of the Heat's workout and did not speak with reporters. He issued a statement through a team spokesman that his status hasn't changed.
"I'm day to day, getting treatment around the clock," Wade said in the statement. "There's nothing more to add."
Wade has been dealing with multiple bruises in his knee for more than a month, and had missed eight-of-10 games at one point late in the regular season to treat the injury. He has played in all three games of the series against the Bucks, but is coming off the worst playoff shooting effort of the season in Tuesday's 104-91 victory in Game 3.
Wade missed 11 of his 12 shots from the field and committed six turnovers. But the uneven performance also saw Wade finish with 11 assists, nine rebounds, five steals and two blocks in 36 minutes. Wade missed a significant stretch of the second half after he bruised his right arm.
Spoelstra was non-committal when asked after Saturday's practice if there was any chance Wade would play Sunday.
"He'll continue to get treatment today and we'll reevaluate him again tomorrow," Spoelstra said. "He feels better from yesterday, and hopefully he'll have progress again tomorrow. We'll just continue to evaluate him. We'll evaluate with the trainers and see how he feels."
Wade has averaged 13.7 points, seven rebounds and 6.3 assists while shooting just 36.8 percent from the field in the series against Milwaukee. But the Heat have gotten strong support from the bench, with reserve guard Ray Allen scoring at least 20 points in two of the three games. Miami has beaten Milwaukee by an average of 19.3 points.
The Heat have a number of productive options at shooting guard if Wade doesn't play. Veteran swingman Mike Miller started when Wade missed games late in the regular season. Bosh was also held out Saturday with leg soreness but will be available for Sunday's game, Spoelstra said.
With the defending champions holding a commanding lead in the series, James said Wade should focus on getting as healthy as possible now to be ready for a long playoff run.
"He has to do what's best for him and then what's best for the team," James said. "He's a competitor, and he wants to be out there. But you don't put injuries in front of anything. If you're hurting, and you're not capable of doing the things you need to do to help the team, then you shouldn't risk it."