As the second half gets underway in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, Dwyane Wade is noticeably absent from the court.
Wade suffered a hip contusion in the first quarter after Brian Cardinal attempted to draw a charging foul, causing contact with Wade, forcing Wade to the ground. Wade immediately went to the locker room with under three minutes left to go in the first quarter before returning in the second quarter.
As the third quarter opened, though, Wade was not on the court - or the bench for that matter. It appears that Wade's injury stiffened up during halftime, forcing him to remain back in the locker room.
Wade's return is likely questionable as it was before - but it wouldn't surprise me in the least bit if he came back for the fourth quarter as the Heat look to take a 3-2 series lead back with them to Miami.
For Mavericks fans, though, having Wade out of the game is certainly a relief. We'll see if Dallas can take advantage in the third quarter.