The Miami Heat are heading into a tough five-game West Coast swing with some momentum after a solid win over the Oklahoma City Thunder - but they’ll be doing it without one of their key scorers. Tyler Herro will miss the opening matchup against the Golden State Warriors, and he’s not expected to join the team for the entire trip. An MRI on Sunday revealed a costochondral injury - essentially a rib issue that’s painful and tricky, often tied to pain tolerance more than structural damage.
That’s the latest setback in what’s been a frustrating season for Herro, who just can’t seem to catch a break. If he misses the full road trip, he’ll be up to 36 games sidelined this season.
Erik Spoelstra is asked about Tyler Herro missing his 31st game tonight, asked if there comes to a point where the team moves forward with alternate paths:
— Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) January 17, 2026
“This shouldn't be long term. We'll just continue to treat him and see how he responds."
Full answer: #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/OObbnq0QJa
It started with offseason ankle surgery that kept him out of the first 17 games, then came a toe contusion, and now the ribs. It’s been one thing after another for the 24-year-old guard, who was coming off an All-Star campaign and looking to build on that momentum.
When Herro has been on the floor, he’s been effective - averaging 21.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in just 11 appearances. He’s shooting nearly 50 percent from the field and just under 36 percent from beyond the arc. That kind of production is hard to replace, especially for a Heat team that’s had to learn how to operate without him for long stretches.
Head coach Erik Spoelstra addressed Herro’s injury situation before the Thunder game, acknowledging the challenges but also downplaying the long-term concern.
“The one at the beginning of the year, that was just something coming into the season,” Spoelstra said. “You can’t control that.
But there’s going to be daily stuff that happens with everybody. Just because you missed a big part of the early season doesn’t mean you’re immune to the normal wear and tear that comes with an NBA year.
This shouldn’t be long-term, and we’ll keep treating him and see how he responds.”
It’s a measured response from Spoelstra, but the reality is this: Miami has had to adapt without Herro more often than not, and that trend isn’t changing anytime soon. Sitting at 22-20, the Heat are still very much in the thick of the Eastern Conference race, but this upcoming road trip - which includes matchups against some of the West’s top-tier talent - will test their depth and resilience.
The Heat have proven they can win without Herro, as they did against the Thunder, but there’s no question his absence changes the dynamic of their offense. He’s one of the team’s most creative scorers, capable of generating his own shot and stretching the floor. Without him, Miami will need continued contributions from Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler, and the supporting cast to keep pace.
For Herro, the focus now shifts to recovery - again. The rib injury may not be long-term, but after everything else he’s dealt with this season, it’s yet another hurdle in a year that’s been filled with them.