Tyler Herro’s Injury Alters Miami Heat Lineup for Raptors Showdown
The Miami Heat have confirmed that guard Tyler Herro will sit out tonight’s matchup against the Toronto Raptors due to an ongoing toe injury. Initially deemed available since Sunday, Herro’s condition has taken a turn, forcing the team to adjust its roster once again.
Herro, who had previously returned from a foot injury requiring surgery earlier this season, has struggled with the same toe contusion that sidelined him for two recent games. In his absence, the Heat will rely on guards Dru Smith and Kasparas Jakucionis, both of whom are cleared to play, while second-year swingman Pelle Larsson remains out due to a hip issue. To fill the void left by Herro, Miami will start Simone Fontecchio.
Injury Report Update
The injury landscape for both teams ahead of tonight’s game provides significant context:
HEAT
Tyler Herro: Out – Toe
Pelle Larsson: Out – Hip
Dru Smith: Available – Hip
Kasparas Jakucionis: Available – Ankle
RAPTORS
RJ Barrett: Out – Knee
Jamison Battle: Out – Ankle
A.J. Lawson: Day-to-day – Hip
Game Details and Context
Tonight’s game is set for December 15 at 7:30 p.m. EST, taking place at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. Fans can catch the action on the FanDuel Sports Network in South Florida or Sportsnet in Toronto, with radio coverage available on WQAM 104.3 and the Heat Audio Experience.
This matchup marks the first of four regular season encounters between the Heat and Raptors. The game was added to the schedule after both teams were unable to progress to the NBA Cup semifinals. Last season, Miami dominated the series, winning three out of four games, and they have triumphed in five of the last six encounters against Toronto. Historically, the Heat hold a strong record against the Raptors, boasting a 65-43 advantage in regular season play, including a formidable 39-17 at home.
Projected Starting Lineups
HEAT
G Davion Mitchell
G Simone Fontecchio
C Bam Adebayo
F Norman Powell
F Andrew Wiggins
RAPTORS
G Immanuel Quickley
G Ja’Kobe Walter
C Jakob Poeltl
F Brandon Ingram
F Scottie Barnes
Betting Insights
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the betting lines for tonight’s game are as follows:
Spread: Heat -4.5 (-112), Raptors +6 (-112)
Moneyline: Heat -196, Raptors +164
Total points scored: 233.5 (over -114, under -106)
Coaching Commentary
Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra weighed in on the competitive nature of the matchup, noting the similarities in style and performance between the two teams this season. “This year, it’s been almost mirror images, the style of play, where we’ve been in the conference, the aggressiveness, commitment to defense. But I would say any year that the Heat and Toronto face each other, it always ends up being very competitive games.”
As the teams gear up for this critical clash, the Heat will need to strategize effectively without their key player, while the Raptors also face their own injury challenges. The anticipation builds for what promises to be a hard-fought game in Miami.
