MIAMI - Dwyane Wade has returned to the practice court and says he's encouraged about how his troublesome right knee feels, with the Miami Heat still three days away from starting the second round of the playoffs.

Following a rigorous practice Friday, Wade said the injury's something he has to play through, and while he's not 100 percent, he's grateful he can be on the court.

The practice was the first for Wade since last week. He has been dealing with bone bruises around his right kneecap for more than a month, and sat out the Heat's series-clinching win Sunday at Milwaukee.

Miami awaits the winner of the first-round series between Brooklyn and Chicago. The Nets won Thursday to force Game 7 on Saturday.

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