As the Miami Heat get set to face the Boston Celtics on Thursday night, all eyes are on Tyler Herro-both for what he brings to the floor and how his body is holding up after a frustrating stretch on the injury list. Herro, who’s still working his way back from a right big toe and rib contusion, is officially listed as probable for the matchup. That’s a positive sign for Miami, especially coming off a solid win over the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday.
Herro looked sharp in that game, dropping 23 points on 8-of-18 shooting, including a couple of threes, while adding three assists and two boards. It wasn’t just the numbers-it was the rhythm.
He looked more comfortable in Miami’s revamped offensive system, which emphasizes pace and flow over the more traditional pick-and-roll-heavy sets we’ve seen in the past. The Heat are clearly leaning into a more freewheeling identity, and Herro’s ability to adapt within that system will be key if they’re going to make a serious push in the East.
That said, the Heat are still walking a fine line when it comes to Herro’s health. After missing significant time earlier in the season, the team is understandably cautious.
The contusion may be behind him in theory, but the grind of the NBA schedule doesn’t offer much breathing room. Miami’s hope is that Herro can stay on the floor consistently-not just to put up points, but to continue building chemistry with a roster that’s seen its fair share of movement and injury setbacks.
In just 10 games this season, Herro has averaged 21.9 points, five rebounds, and 2.7 assists, shooting nearly 49% from the field and 33.3% from deep. Those are solid numbers, especially considering he’s still getting his legs back under him.
But it’s not just about the stats. Herro gives Miami a dynamic scoring option who can create his own shot and stretch defenses-something they’ll need in spades against a Celtics team that, even with injuries, remains one of the league’s toughest defensive units.
Speaking of injuries, both teams are dealing with their fair share of absences and question marks heading into Thursday’s game.
Miami’s Injury Report:
- Tyler Herro - Probable (Right big toe/rib contusion)
- **Jaime Jaquez Jr. ** - Questionable (Left knee soreness)
- Nikola Jovic - Probable (Right knee soreness)
- Pelle Larsson - Available (Left finger injury)
- Terry Rozier - Out (Not with team)
- Josh Minott - Out (Left ankle sprain)
- Jahmir Young, Myron Gardner, Vladislav Goldin - Out (G League - Two-Way)
Boston’s Injury Report:
- Jayson Tatum - Out (Right Achilles repair)
- Davion Mitchell - Doubtful (Left shoulder contusion)
- Norman Powell - Available (Low back soreness)
With Tatum sidelined, the Celtics will be missing their offensive anchor, which could open the door for the Heat to steal one on the road-especially if Herro suits up and continues to build on his recent form. But make no mistake: Boston still has depth, defensive grit, and enough firepower to make this a grind-it-out kind of game.
For Miami, it’s about more than just one win. It’s about getting healthy, staying healthy, and finding consistency in a season that’s been anything but predictable. And with Herro trending in the right direction, Thursday night could be another step toward that goal.