Tyler

Herro

Herro did not travel west with the team ahead of Monday’s game against the Warriors, instead staying in Miami to undergo an MRI on his ribs. The scans have uncovered a costochondral issue, which is inflammation or separation that can take weeks or even months to recover from. The Heat did not provide a timeline for Herro’s return, but he should be considered out indefinitely until that changes. Pelle Larsson has been the replacement in the starting lineup.

Monday’s game will be the second that Herro misses due to a rib contusion. And he could be out for longer than that, as he did not travel with the team out west. Herro will undergo an MRI, and the Heat have another game in Sacramento on Tuesday. Pelle Larsson should remain in the starting lineup as long as Herro is unavailable.

Herro joins Davion Mitchell (shoulder) on the sidelines for Thursday’s game. Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said during his pregame availability that Herro’s rib contusion is not believed to be a longer-term injury. Dru Smith and Kasparas Jakučionis should see their playing time increase, while Kel’el Ware could return to the starting lineup. The second-year center has struggled recently, and a return to the starting five could give him a needed boost.

If Herro is sidelined, there will be a second spot open in the starting lineup, with Davion Mitchell (shoulder) already out. Kel’el Ware started during Herro’s most recent absence, though Dru Smith and Kasparas Jakucionis should also see a bump in minutes of Herro is unavailable.

Herro has had a ton of success, historically speaking, against the Celtics and that trend continued in the first half as he helped Miami race out to an early double-digit lead, supplying 15 first-half points on 6-of-9 from the floor, including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. He cooled off in the second half as the Heat were unable to hold off Boston’s late rally, which was fueled by a red-hot Anfernee Simons. The 26-year-old sharpshooter, who came into this one battling rib and toe issues, has scored at least 17 points in five straight games since making his season debut back on January 6.

Herro was initially listed as probable. His toe had kept him out for 11 games, but he has played in four of the last five since returning. It appears he’ll play in yet another one as the team manages his toe injury.

In addition to the toe injury that sidelined him for an extended period, Herro is also on the injury report due to a rib contusion suffered during Saturday’s loss to the Pacers. However, he is probable, so fantasy managers should expect Herro to play.

Herro attempted only three three-pointers in his third contest since making his season debut back on January 6. The 26-year-old sharpshooter has hoisted at least 15 shot attempts in all three contests and is averaging 21.8 points.

Initially questionable, Herro is officially available for Sunday’s game. His availability means that Kel’el Ware will be relegated to the bench for a second consecutive game.

Herro returned to the starting lineup Saturday in his second game back from a toe injury. Somewhere along the way, the 25-year-old point guard also picked up a rib contusion. Now Herro is questionable against the Thunder on Sunday. Kel’el Ware had just two points with Herro starting Saturday and would seem to benefit if Herro is out Sunday.