Heat forward Haslem (thumb) likely out for rest of regular season

MIAMI -- The Miami Heat will likely be without forward Udonis Haslem for the remainder of the regular season because of a deep cut on his right thumb.

Haslem was injured Friday in Charlotte while trying to block a shot. He needed six stitches to close the gash, and they're not scheduled to be removed until at least April 16 - one day after the season finale.

Haslem is averaging 10.6 points and 8.2 rebounds for Miami, which is battling for the Eastern Conference's fifth playoff seed.

Backup guard Daequan Cook is also ailing. Miami's top 3-point shooter was inactive Tuesday against the New Orleans Hornets with a sore right shoulder. Cook has made a team-best 148 shots from 3-point range, and is averaging 9.3 points for the season.