Heat’s Tyler Herro Won’t Play in Game 1 of NBA Finals

The guard hasn’t played since Game 1 vs. the Bucks in the first round of the playoffs.

Heat guard Tyler Herro is expected to return to the court during the NBA Finals, but coach Erik Spoelstra told reporters on Wednesday that Herro will not be ready to play on Thursday, June 1 for Game 1 vs. the Nuggets, per ESPN’s Marc J. Spears.

“He’s not there yet,” Spoelstra said of Herro.

TNT’s Chris Haynes reported on Monday night that Herro could be expected back by Game 3 of the Finals, which will take place on Wednesday, June 7.

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Herro last played in Game 1 of the first round series vs. the Bucks on April 16, when he broke his hand. This means the guard has only played fully in the two play-in tournament games the Heat competed in, against the Hawks and Bulls.  Miami defeated the Bucks, Knicks and Celtics without Herro to reach the Finals.

The 2022 NBA Sixth Man of the Year averaged 20.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game in the 2022–23 regular season to go with a league-leading .934 free-throw percentage.