The Miami Heat’s game plan took a significant hit just 30 minutes before tipoff against the Toronto Raptors. Sharpshooting guard Tyler Herro was ruled out, despite being activated to play earlier.

According to the Heat’s official statement, Herro has been ruled out because of a toe injury he has been dealing with over the last two weeks, which has already forced him to miss two games. He was initially listed in the starting lineup, but will be replaced by Simone Fontecchio.

Herro was playing well after missing 17 games earlier this season, recovering from offseason surgery on his ankle. After returning, the Heat star continued his impressive play from last year, averaging 23.2 points, five rebounds, and a steal on 50/40/90 shooting for the first time in his career.

This is the latest loss for a team already facing injury issues to start the season.

Other than Herro, forward Pelle Larsson, who has been a key starter, was sidelined with a left ankle sprain against the Orlando Magic. Reserve forward Nikola Jovic suffered a major injury tonight, falling hard after going for a dunk attempt. He exited with a brace on his arm.

The Heat have also been struggling lately, losing four in a row and five of their last six games after going on a six-game winning streak last month. Herro‘s loss will only worsen their chances of breaking out of the slump they’ve fallen into against the Raptors.

Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat Seek Reset After Parallel Slumps and Timely Break

The Toronto Raptors and the Miami Heat entered tonight’s matchup in similar positions, coming off NBA Cup quarterfinal exits and carrying four-game losing streaks into the matchup. The extended break since Tuesday for the Cup has offered both sides an opportunity to recover and reflect early in the season.

For the Heat, the focus has been leaning into the time for practice following their elimination by the Magic. Head coach Erik Spoelstra previously highlighted the value of uninterrupted work on the floor to address issues that surfaced during a particularly congested stretch of games.

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This pause has been about perspective for the Raptors as well. Brandon Ingram previously emphasized the importance of understanding the narrow margin for error the team faces due to lineup instability, especially the loss of RJ Barrett.

The team has also missed Jamison Battle and Immanuel Quickley, but even amid the downturn, head coach Darko Rajakovic remains comfortable in his group’s standing. The team logged a strong mid-November, showcasing what they can be when healthy.

With both teams mirroring each other in style, defensive commitment, and conference standing, expect this matchup to be tightly contested, especially now with Tyler Herro set to sit out.