17 Rodney McGruder SG

McGruder is starting Friday against the Hawks.

McGruder has been impressive this preseason. He's averaging 15.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 27.4 minutes heading into Friday.

McGruder (rest) is expected to play Friday against the Hawks, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

McGruder was given Wednesday's contest off for rest, but is expected to take part in the exhibition finale. In four preseason appearances, McGruder is averaging 15.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 27.4 minutes.

McGruder will sit out Wednesday's exhibition versus the Pelicans for rest purposes, ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

McGruder has seen extended run throughout the preseason thus far, including a few opportunities to work with the starting five. However, with the regular season starting next week, the Heat will look to get a few players some extra rest. Look for McGruder to rejoin the lineup for Friday's exhibition finale and he should also be a full go for the start of the regular season next week.

McGruder finished with 15 points (5-10 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 3-4 FT), five rebounds, three assists, and one steal in 28 minutes during Friday's 121-114 preseason loss to the Wizards.

McGruder had his third strong outing of the preseason as he continues to benefit from a number of injuries to other players. McGruder will simply be looking to stay healthy for the majority of the season after a derailed 2017-18. He will be battling to see enough court time to warrant any real value and is more of a deep league option at this stage.

McGruder provided 12 points (3-7 FG, 2-3 3PT, 4-5 FT), three rebounds, three assists, a steal and a blocked shot across 24 minutes in Tuesday's 122-113 loss to the Hornets.

With Dion Waiters (ankle), Wayne Ellington (ankle) and Josh Richardson (thigh) all sidelined, opportunities have opened up for guys like McGruder to show his stuff. He turned in another strong game in the backcourt on Monday, with output in every category. He was also turnover-free in the game. McGruder's outlook for 2018 all depends on how often he will be utilized behind players like Waiters and Tyler Johnson.