Photo: Tyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat walks backcourt during the first half of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on April 16, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Stacy Revere/Getty Images/AFP
Tyler Herro will not be available for Game 1 of the NBA Finals, as confirmed by Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra on NBA Finals Media Day. The 2022 Sixth Man of the Year is still in the process of ramping up his workouts following his surgery in April. Herro broke his right shooting hand in Game 1 of the Heat’s Eastern Conference first-round playoff series against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Herro initially anticipated a return in four to six weeks, hoping to join the team for the finals. The Heat have since defeated the Bucks, New York Knicks, and the Boston Celtics, leaving room for Herro’s potential return. 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.
However, Spoelstra stated that Herro is not quite ready. While the team is encouraged by his progress, the focus remains on making responsible decisions for his health. It has been reported by TNT’s Chris Haynes that Herro is expected to return for Game 3 of the NBA Finals next week.
During the regular season, Herro averaged 20.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. The Heat have also dealt with other significant injuries, including Victor Oladipo’s season-ending torn left patellar tendon in Game 4 against the Bucks.