The Miami Heat’s injury report is not encouraging ahead of the team’s January 1 matchup against the Detroit Pistons.
Heat guard Pelle Larsson left the Heat’s 147-123 win against the Denver Nuggets early after suffering an ankle injury in the second half.
Larsson was initially listed as a game-time decision against the Pistons before the team ruled him out with a right ankle sprain.
“It’s part of the NBA,” Miami Heat Head Coach Erik Spoelstra said. “He’s (Larsson) able to do some work. We continue to treat him day-to-day, but we’re encouraged that it didn’t look like the last one.”
Larsson has been one of the Heat’s most impactful players this season. When Larsson suits up, the Heat are 17-10. They have only won one game when Larsson hasn’t played.
Larsson sustained a previous left ankle injury during a game against the Orlando Magic on December 9.
He’d only played in three games before injuring his other ankle.
“It’s frustrating,” Larsson told Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald. “I just keep stepping on people’s feet and yeah, just getting a little bit unlucky at the moment.”
Larsson is averaging 9.2 points and 3.3 assists in 22 minutes per game. He’s started in 18 games for the Heat this season.
Miami Heat Receives Positive News on Role Player
GettySimone Fontecchio will be available for the Miami Heat despite battling ankle inflammation.
Miami Heat forward Simone Fontecchio was upgraded from questionable to available for tonight’s game against the Detroit Pistons.
Fontecchio didn’t practice on Wednesday due to ankle inflammation, according to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, but is now ready to go.
Fontecchio started the season on a hot streak, leading the Miami Heat in three-point shooting percentage at 59.3% and scoring in double digits in the Heat’s first five games of the season.
However, his role in the rotation has decreased as his shooting has dipped. In December, Fontecchio is shooting 30.8% from the field and 28.3% from three.
He’s played a combined six minutes over the Heat’s last three games, but could see increased playing time against the Pistons with Pelle Larsson sidelined.
Fontecchio was traded to Miami from Detroit in the offseason in a deal that sent sharpshooter Duncan Robinson to the Pistons.
The Heat and Pistons played one other time this season, with the Pistons winning 138-135. Fontecchio did not play (coach’s decision).
Miami Heat Star Remains Out For 9th Straight Game
GettyMiami Heat All-Star Tyler Herro still will not return against the Detroit Pistons.
Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro remains out with a toe injury that has sidelined him for most of December.
Herro did not travel with the team to Detroit or practice with the team, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reports.
Herro has only played in six games this season, averaging 23.2 points in those appearances. Erik Spoelstra was unsure about when Heat fans can expect to see Herro again.
“He’s definitely making progress,” Spoelstra said. “I don’t have a timeline for you, but I’m encouraged by what I’m seeing.”
Herro could return on January 4 against the New Orleans Pelicans, during the second game of a back-to-back.
While the Heat’s offense has been better over the past three games, Herro is considered the team’s most dynamic scorer.
His return to the lineup would be a boost for a Heat team fighting to stay out of the Eastern Conference play-in tournament.
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