Heat G Kyle Lowry hopes to return to action before end of February

Left knee soreness kept Heat point guard Kyle Lowry out of action for the last six games before the All-Star break and there was some concern that he could miss a few more weeks beyond the break. However, a source tells Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press (Twitter link) that Lowry now hopes to return to the lineup by the end of the month.

Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald confirms Reynolds’ report, tweeting that Lowry’s knee has improved and that he’s targeting a return on February 27 or shortly thereafter. According to Reynolds, the Heat should have a clearer picture of Lowry’s outlook in the coming days, but there have been “encouraging signs.”

Lowry, who has battled health issues over the course of his second season in Miami, is averaging 12.0 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.3 rebounds in 33.3 minutes per game across 44 appearances. His shooting numbers (.396/.333/.855) have been disappointing and are well below his career rates, but Jackson says the coaching staff still believes the 36-year-old can help the team.

According to Jackson, the Heat’s optimism about Lowry’s prognosis was a factor in their decision to sign two big men in free agency -– Kevin Love and Cody Zeller -– rather than using one of their open roster spots on a guard.

As Jackson tweets, Gabe Vincent has performed well in Lowry’s absence, and if the six-time All-Star’s knee issues continue to plague him down the stretch, the club is comfortable turning to Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro, and Victor Oladipo for ball-handling responsibilities when Vincent is off the floor.

Jackson’s reporting suggests that Lowry may be ruled out for the Heat’s two first games coming out of the break, in Milwaukee on Feb. 24 and Charlotte on Feb. 24. The team’s Feb. 27 contest is in Lowry’s hometown of Philadelphia. If he’s unable to suit up for that one, his next chance to return would be at home vs. the Sixers on March 1.