James Johnson to play against Pistons

Heat co-captain James Johnson said that he would return to play in the Miami Heat’s game against the Detroit Pistons Wednesday night. He was a game-time decision.

Johnson had sat out six of the Heat’s last seven games with an ankle injury. The Heat co-captain aggravated the injury in the first half of a disappointing loss to the New Orleans Pelicans Dec. 23 after missing three games, causing him to miss the following three.

With Johnson back in the rotation, it brings up issues for Erik Spoelstra. Will Bam Adebayo, the rookie who has impressed after injuries to Hassan Whiteside and James Johnson gave him opportunities to play, stay in the rotation? Will Johnson play any small forward, especially with Justise Winslow and Dion Waiters out? We’ll see how it all plays out tonight.