Why is Tyler Herro out? Reason behind NBA player’s injury explored

Tyler Herro broke his right hand in Game 1 against the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round of the playoffs. Amazingly enough, he even had to shoot a corner 3-pointer despite visibly grimacing in pain due to the injury.

The Miami Heat announced on April 21 that he underwent successful surgery to the third and fourth metacarpal of his right hand. He was expected to be out for at least six weeks. Herro could probably play in the playoffs again if the Heat go deep into the postseason, which is exactly what they are doing.

Heat fans, though, shouldn’t expect him to play in the Eastern Conference finals against the Boston Celtics. Heading into Game 1, Miami coach Erik Spoelstra told the media that while Herro could do certain activities, he could not dribble or shoot.

Tyler Herro would also have to ramp up his conditioning once he can do drills and 5-on-5 scrimmages. He could be fit enough to play in the NBA Finals if things go according to plan.

The Miami Heat stunned the basketball world by pulling off an upset against the top-ranked Milwaukee Bucks in five games without the shooting guard. Jimmy Butler averaged over 35 points in the series against the Bucks.

Miami struggled a bit without arguably their most versatile shooter in the second round of the playoffs against the New York Knicks. Still, they dispatched the higher-seeded Knicks in six games.

Against the Boston Celtics in a rematch of last year’s Eastern Conference finals, most fans were expecting the Heat to struggle to score sans Herro. That's not been the case and they may even sweep their rivals despite playing undermanned.

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Caleb Martin, Gabe Vincent and Max Strus have picked up the slack in Tyler Herro's absence

Jimmy Butler has unquestionably been the biggest reason for the Miami Heat’s success in the playoffs. Without Tyler Herro, Erik Spoelstra has leaned on Caleb Martin, Gabe Vincent and Max Strus to support Butler.

Miami’s unsung trio has combined for 34.3 points, 10.3 rebounds and 7.7 assists. Martin is hitting 39.2% from deep, Strus 38.6% and Vincent 35.4%.

The Heat are looking like a well-oiled machine without Herro. One can only guess how formidable they can become if he gets back in time to help his team.

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