Image Source: X
[Saba Sports News] The Miami Heat will be without star guard Tyler Herro for Tuesday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers, marking his first absence of the season. Herro is sidelined due to groin soreness.
Herro has been a standout performer for the Heat this season, thriving amidst the turmoil surrounding Jimmy Butler’s trade situation.
The 24-year-old is averaging 24 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists while shooting 40% from beyond the arc. He has played all 41 games so far, helping the Heat to a 21-20 record, currently eighth in the Eastern Conference.
Herro celebrated his birthday on Monday and was seen joking with Butler before the latter’s recent return to action. However, Butler’s demeanor suggested the ongoing trade rumors are weighing on him.
With Herro out, rookie Kel’el Ware will make his first NBA start, joining Terry Rozier, Duncan Robinson, Bam Adebayo, and Butler in the starting lineup. Ware has been a solid contributor off the bench this season, averaging 7.3 points and 4.0 rebounds.
The Heat have struggled lately, going 4-6 in their last 10 games, but they secured an impressive win over Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday. Following Tuesday’s matchup, the Heat face challenging road games against the Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets.
With Herro sidelined, the Heat will need Butler and Adebayo to step up. Meanwhile, trade talks continue to swirl around Butler, with a deal reportedly gaining momentum.
The Phoenix Suns recently acquired three first-round picks from the Utah Jazz, a move speculated to be tied to a potential trade involving Butler. For now, the Heat must focus on the task at hand while navigating the ongoing drama.