Norman

Powell

Herro is back after sitting out the last two games with a quad injury, and his return pushes Kasparas Jakučionis to the bench. Also of note is Norman Powell coming off the bench in his return from a back injury, leaving Larsson in the starting lineup.

Powell has missed the last seven games with groin strain, but is set to make his return against the Magic on Saturday. Pelle Larsson will head back to the bench with Powell returning to the starting lineup.

While Herro has missed Miami’s last two games, Powell has been absent for the last seven. For Thursday’s win over the Bucks, the Heat called on Kasparas Jakučionis and Pelle Larsson to move into the starting lineup, with the former scoring 18 points. If Powell and Herro play, Jakučionis and Larsson will come off the bench.

At the time of his injury in late February, Powell was considered to be week-to-week. Pelle Larsson has moved into the starting lineup, but he has not been productive enough to merit rostering in most fantasy leagues. Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Simone Fontecchio are superior streaming options where available.

Herro has scored at least 22 points in three of the six games he’s played since returning from a rib injury. Getting to see the Nets twice to open Week 19 is a good deal for the Heat guard and his teammates, who won Tuesday’s game by a 124-98 final score. Miami’s been without Norman Powell for the last two games, opening a spot in the starting lineup for Herro. Once Powell returns, Pelle Larsson (three points, two rebounds, three assists and one block) is the player most likely headed to the bench.

With Norman Powell (groin) sidelined, Larsson remained in the Heat starting lineup on Saturday. And the second-year wing had a good afternoon, putting up 20 points on solid percentages. Larsson is worth picking up ahead of Miami’s four-game Week 19, as Powell will be sidelined for at least three more games. That will preserve Larsson’s spot in the starting lineup despite Tyler Herro’s return to the first five on Saturday.

Powell had to leave Thursday’s game against the 76ers during the first half, as his attempt to play through his groin issue backfired after ten minutes of action. The good news is that Powell has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 strain, which is the lowest severity. Powell will miss at least four games, and his absence may open the door for Tyler Herro to return to the starting lineup.

Thursday’s performance was Herro’s best since returning from a rib injury that sidelined him for just over a month. After recording six assists in each of his prior two games, the Heat guard recorded seven against the 76ers. Add in the 25 points on 50 percent shooting and increase in playing time, with Herro logging 32 minutes, and this was an encouraging effort. Norman Powell (groin) exited during the first half, with Herro moving into the lineup to begin the third quarter. Regardless of what Powell’s availability is for Saturday’s game against the Rockets, Herro could be ready to move back into the starting five. And if Powell is available, that may mean that Pelle Larsson (9/4/6/2/1 with two three-pointers) will be the odd man out.

Powell came into this game as questionable, but he attempted to play through the groin injury that popped up on the injury report Thursday afternoon. However, his night will end after just 10 minutes in the first half. Tyler Herro and Jaime Jaquez Jr. will see a bump in minutes in the second half.

Powell was added to the injury report late, but that won’t keep him from suiting up against Philly. He led the team with 26 points on Tuesday and will look to stay hot in this one.