Eddie

Jones

This, and the Heat’s 11-game winning streak, should squelch the rumors of Jones being dealt to Toronto or elsewhere for a “true” small forward.

Jones’ status could affect the possible decision to bench Damon Jones.

Jones is hobbled by tendinitis in his left foot, but he’ll be asked to take on a heavy workload with Caron Butler likely out.

An MRI Wednesday revealed no stress fracture, but Jones was unable to practice. He expects to play in the season opener.

Jones, who scored 20 on Friday, was limping after practice yesterday. The Heat may be forced to use him with all their injuries.

Jones is averaging 21.4 points as he’s being counted on for offense with a bad Miami squad. Jones is a versatile scorer who can shoot the three (5th in 3-pointers made), or slash and draw a foul (15th in free throws made). He should be starting in all leagues.

Jones and Grant continue to be mentioned in trade rumors, but Riley says he is not eager to push any deals. The Heat have played solid basketball at 11-10 since their 0-7 start.

Jones is expected to play Saturday.

Jones says he has been playing with the injury for some time, and aggravated it Tuesday. He’s not sure he’ll be on the team flight later today. ''I’m going to give it two days of rest and a lot of treatment and see what happens. If it comes to me not traveling, maybe I’ll meet them in Dallas [on Saturday],’' he said.

Jones, day-to-day with a strained left groin, could return on Monday. In the meantime, Rasual Butler likely will start in his place.