Heat’s injury issues continue, with three starters out Friday vs. Magic. But Martin back
The Miami Heat’s season-long injury issues continue.
The Heat will be without three members of its preferred starting lineup for Friday night’s matchup against the Orlando Magic at Kaseya Center, with Jimmy Butler (right toe MP joint sprain), Tyler Herro (right shoulder strain) and Kyle Lowry (left hand sprain) ruled out.
It marks the sixth straight game that Butler has missed and the second straight game that Lowry has missed with their respective injuries.
But this is the first game that Herro has missed with his shoulder injury after scoring 17 points on 7-of-21 shooting from the field in 37 minutes in Wednesday’s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Herro sat out 18 straight games earlier this season because of a sprained ankle.
The good news for the Heat is Caleb Martin will make his return on Friday after missing the previous seven games. Martin has not played since turning his right ankle during the Heat’s home win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Christmas Day.
Along with missing Butler, Herro and Lowry, the Heat will also be without Dru Smith (season-ending knee surgery) and Cole Swider (G League) against the Magic.
