2 min read • May 09, 2023
Posted in
Update: Read our updated analysis on Tyler Herro here. As predicted, he advanced to shooting and dribbling during the Eastern Conference Finals but was held out because of a coaching decision.
With the Miami Heat on the brink of reaching consecutive Eastern Conference Finals, the Jimmy Butler-led team is likely to get a key piece back.
Despite the team’s stated 6-week return timeline, our panel of doctors have optimism that Herro will be available for the Eastern Conference Finals, which is scheduled to start May 17.
When Tyler Herro suffered his broken right hand in Game 1 of the series against the No. 1 seed Milwaukee Bucks, many expected a Round 1 exit was coming next for Miami.
If the Heat – currently up 3-1 – can seal the series win against the Knicks, Herro will likely be available in the Eastern Conference Finals, according to the Pro Basketball Docs.
Herro suffered fractures of his third and fourth metacarpals while diving for a loose ball in the second quarter of the April 16 game.
He underwent surgery to stabilize the fractures on Friday April 21 and the team said he would miss a minimum of six weeks.
Dr. David Chao explained the cautious optimism about Herro’s injury below:
The 23-year-old shooting guard averaged 20.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists while shooting 43.9% from the field and 37.8% from 3 during the regular season.
Miami also lost Victor Oladipo in the first round to a torn patellar tendon. Oladipo averaged 10.7 points during the regular season.
Caleb Martin has stepped in as a key role player off the bench with Herro and Oladipo out. Martin is averaging 11.1 points across nine games this postseason.
The Heat, who were knocked out by Boston in last year’s Eastern Conference Finals, are +1600 to win the NBA Finals, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
They are currently -900 to advance past the Knicks.
Sign up here for our FREE weekly newsletter and you'll get the best NFL, CFB, NBA and MLB injury insights from our Pro Sports Doctors plus Free Picks delivered straight to your inbox to give you an edge in betting and fantasy! Right now you'll also get one FREE month of SIC Picks - our best injury-based picks - valued at up to $200. Details sent instantly upon providing email.
Written by
