"It's the one that's been giving him some problems this summer," coach Erik Spoelstra said. "He's had some minor injuries with both shoulders for the last year, and then during summer workouts in July, he strained his right shoulder."

Cook, who is hopeful of being back up to full speed for Sunday's home game against the Chicago Bulls, said the team's grueling offseason workouts did not exacerbate the problem, but rather contributed to increased vigilance.

"It was ten thousand shots, ten thousand dribbles, ten thousand passes," he said, "but it was more me getting in the weight room also and rehabbing."

The latest ailment came while attempting balancing exercises with a heavy ball.

"I was trying something new," he said, "and now it's out the window."

With such chronic concerns at 22, Cook appreciates the significance of staying ahead of the problem.

"It's kind of weak, you could say," he said. "I've been doing a lot of rehab, trying to get 'em back strong. Sometimes, you never know when it's going to happen."

HEAT 96, PACERS 83: It is difficult to discount Jermaine O'Neal's comeback after he produced his second consecutive game of 22 points and 12 rebounds. He was active, spry and provided the inside component to keep the pressure off Dwyane Wade, who led the Heat with 32 points. The inside-out game is looking very good right now.