When Tyler Herro broke his hand in Game 1 of their first-round series against the Milwaukee Bucks, few expected the Miami Heat’s season to last long enough to give him a chance to return. Of course, the Heat are now headed to the NBA Finals, continuing a historic playoff run. They made the playoffs via the play-in tournament, then became just the fifth 8th seed to ever topple a No. 1 seed.
They then beat the New York Knicks in six games. Miami also fended off the Boston Celtics, the team with the second-best record in the NBA, who nearly came back from being down 3-0 to win the Eastern Conference Finals. Now they will face the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Finals, but what about the status of Herro, their third-leading scorer?
Tyler Herro’s full injury status for Game 1: Heat at Nuggets
Herro was cleared to resume non-contact basketball work on May 23rd, which gives him a chance of returning in the NBA Finals. However, the Heat have arguably played better without him, thanks in large part to Jimmy Butler, and dropping him into a rotation that is clicking on all cylinders might be too risky.
When will Tyler Herro play?
With only a maximum of seven games left in the season, Herro is running out of time to return this season. Fortunately, the Heat just got some good news surrounding Herro:
Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (hand fracture) is ramping up workouts and is expected to make his return at some point during NBA Finals with Game 3 being the likely target, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) May 30, 2023
According to Chris Haynes, Herro is expecting to return during Game 3 of the NBA Finals when the series heads to Miami. Bringing Herro back is potentially risky, but they could use the offensive firepower that he provides against one of the best offensive teams in the NBA.
Miami Heat full injury report
Joining Herro on the injury report is Victor Oladipo. Oladipo tore his patella tendon in late April and will miss the NBA Finals.
Miami Heat full NBA Finals schedule:
Game 1: @ Nuggets Thursday, June 1, at 8:30 p.m.
Game 2: @ Nuggets Sunday, June 4, at 8 p.m.
Game 3: Nuggets Wednesday, June 7, at 8:30 p.m.
Game 4: Nuggets Friday, June 9, at 8:30 p.m.
Game 5: @ Nuggets Monday, June 12, at 8:30 p.m.
Game 6: Nuggets Thursday, June 15, at 8:30 p.m.
Game 7: @ Nuggets Sunday, June 18, at 8 p.m.
Overall, the Heat have extended their season by several weeks, and Herro may have enough time left to return during the NBA Finals. Fortunately, the Heat haven’t missed a step without Herro, but his impending return gives them a chance to win their fourth championship in team history.