Tyler

Herro

Already without Andrew Wiggins, the Heat will also be without Tyler Herro for Tuesday’s game. As a result, Jakučionis moves into the starting lineup, but he has offered limited fantasy value on most nights when allowed to start.

Initially listed as questionable with a sore left quad, Herro has been ruled out for Tuesday’s game against the Wizards. Jaime Jaquez Jr., Pelle Larsson and Myron Gardner all figure to see extra minutes and usage with Herro sidelined.

Herro is dealing with left quad soreness, and he’s in danger of sitting out against the Wizards. If he ends up missing this one, Jaime Jaquez Jr. Pelle Larsson and Myron Gardner could enjoy some extra minutes.

The Heat won their fifth game in a row, taking apart the Pistons at home on Sunday. The game was out of hand early with Miami taking a 19-point lead at halftime. Herro once again led the Heat with 25 points. He’s been excellent lately, providing third-round per game value over the last two weeks. The Heat have three games coming up in Week 20, starting with a matchup against the Wizards on Tuesday.

Herro has had some good games since returning from injury this season, but none better than Friday’s 35-point effort in the win over the Hornets. The 26-year-old point guard was on fire from downtown, going 8-of-10 from behind the three-point line. Herro has shot above 50 percent from the field in five consecutive games. While he won’t stay hot like this forever, Herro’s managers have to enjoy the ride. The Heat close out the week against the Pistons on Sunday.

Herro’s lack of availability this season has been frustrating, but he has been effective when he plays. This matched his second-highest scoring performance of the season, and he has shot at least 50 percent from the floor in four straight games. He won’t stay that hot, but it has been a strong run for him. They still have two more games this week, with a trip to Charlotte on Friday up next on the schedule.

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.

After coming off the bench for each of his first four games back from the rib injury that kept him out for a month, Herro was inserted back into the Heat starting lineup on Saturday. Norman Powell (groin) was out, opening the door for Herro to take on a more familiar role. He was efficient against the Rockets, shooting 66.7 percent from the field and finishing a blocked shot shy of a complete line. The Heat play four games in Week 19, starting with the Nets on Tuesday.

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.