DETROIT -- The knee injury that knocked Michael Beasley out of Wednesday's loss at Toronto might sideline the Heat's power forward for the rest of the trip.
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said Thursday the team's medical staff considered sending Beasley to Miami but decided to keep him along in hopes he might soon return.
Beasley hyperextended his right knee in the first quarter against the Raptors and is doubtful for Friday's game against the Pistons. He hopes to play Saturday against Milwaukee to close out the Heat's three-game trip.
Spoelstra said Beasley did not have an MRI test in Toronto or Detroit, but that one would be performed ``just to cover our bases'' when the team returns to Miami.
Until then, the plan is to proceed cautiously with Beasley, the second-year forward and No. 2 overall pick who must clear several hurdles to prove he's ready to play.
``The next step is to keep treating it, bringing the swelling down, getting his comfort level back,'' Spoelstra said. ``Thirdly, getting him jumping to where he's not thinking about it.
``When that happens? I don't know. At least it's not as severe as it looked at first.''
Beasley's knee buckled as he stepped on Hedo Turkoglu's foot at the 7:32 mark of the first quarter. Beasley was getting set to jump and catch a pass from Rafer Alston.
Beasley yelled as he crashed to the ground, immediately grabbed his right knee and rolled in pain. He eventually walked to the locker room under his own power.
Beasley briefly returned midway through the second quarter but sat out the second half.
``I didn't want to make it a bigger deal than it was,'' Beasley said of his attempt to play through pain. ``I really didn't want to go in the second half not 100 percent and not giving the team what it needs.''
Beasley had six points and six rebounds in eight minutes of the 111-103 loss.
Spoelstra said Beasley did not risk further damage to the knee by returning in the second quarter. The medical staffs of both teams did not find any structural damage to Beasley's knee. He also performed exercises to test his mobility before he returned.
There was slight swelling overnight after the team's flight from Toronto to Detroit, and the Heat's staff spent Thursday consulting with team physician Harlan Selesnick, who was in Miami. Beasley, 21, said it is the first knee injury he has ever had.
``He didn't do anything worse [by returning],'' Spoelstra said. ``The whole time back there, they were running and jumping. He was able to pass all of the tests.
``The thing about Mike is he's a tough kid. He'll play through pain.''
Beasley is averaging 16 points and 6.7 rebounds in his first season since replacing veteran Udonis Haslem as the starting power forward. Haslem could start if Beasley is held out this weekend.
The absence of Beasley, Miami's second-leading scorer behind Dwyane Wade, placed a strain on the rotation. Spoelstra searched Thursday to replace his production. It could lead to more time for reserves Dorell Wright, James Jones and Yakhouba Diawara. Another option is to play center Jermaine O'Neal and shot-blocker Joel Anthony in spurts together.
``Michael is a phenomenal scorer, so it takes away a little bit,'' Wade said of Beasley.
Wade also spent significant time in treatment a day after he played 43 minutes, including the entire second half. He emerged with a large ice pack on his right arm.
But with the Heat (23-22) having dropped to sixth place in the conference, and only a half-game ahead of Chicago and Charlotte for the final two playoff spots, Wade is expected to push through.
``Dwyane had an assortment of minor injuries we're treating [Thursday],'' Spoelstra said. ``Guys are banged up. But it's nothing serious.''
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