Wade shooting for playoffs with rehab

MIAMI, March 5 (UPI) -- Miami Heat guard Dwayne Wade has decided to forgo season-ending surgery and instead will attempt to rehab his dislocated shoulder in time for the playoffs.

The three-time NBA all-star fell short of guaranteeing a playoff return on Monday, but said he will do all he can to recuperate from the left shoulder injury he suffered in a Feb. 21 game against Houston, the Palm Beach (Fla.) Post said.

"My decision for the next two to three weeks is to rehab with the possibility of coming back, but with no guarantees," Wade said. "I'll find out after therapy and rehab how my body responds to things."

Since losing Wade to injury, the Heat (29-29) has gone 3-2. But for the season, the Southeast Division team has gone 4-8 without its star guard.

Wade, who missed seven games all of last season, made his decision after consulting with two doctors and Heat coach Pat Riley.

The paper said Wade expects to have shoulder surgery once the season is concluded.