Dec. 14--MEMPHIS -- The Miami Heat was without Udonis Haslem for the first time this season, with the power forward missing today's game against the Memphis Grizzlies due to his grandmother's funeral.
Haslem is expected to be back with the team for Monday night's game against the visiting Milwaukee Bucks at AmericanAirlines Arena. "Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family," coach Erik Spoelstra said before today's game at FedExForum. "He texted all of us. He said his family's having a tough time right now."
Meanwhile, forward Michael Beasley was back in uniform after missing Friday night's 87-73 loss to the visiting Atlanta Hawks due to the flu.
"The only thing I can think of was it's from my dogs," said Beasley, who has three. "I've had them for like seven or eight months, though. But I think it might have come from them. I've been around them a lot."
Swingman Yakhouba Diawara started in place of Haslem, with small forward Shawn Marion shifted to power forward.
In addition, reserve guard Daequan Cook was experiencing flu symptoms heading into today's game.
Also, before tipoff, former Heat forward Antoine Walker said he expects to complete a buyout Monday with the Grizzlies, looking to then sign with another team.
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