**Miami Heat Face Injury Challenges as Tyler Herro Sidelined Amid Slump**
*MIAMI* — The Miami Heat have been struggling lately, losing seven of their last eight games leading up to Tuesday’s contest against the Toronto Raptors. Compounding their difficulties is the absence of several key players, including star guard Tyler Herro. As the team seeks to regain its early-season form, all eyes are on Herro’s recovery progress.
### Tyler Herro’s Injury Update
Herro, along with teammates Nikola Jovic and Pelle Larsson, was ruled out for Tuesday’s home game against Toronto. This will mark Herro’s seventh absence in the last eight games as he manages a toe contusion.
It’s been a frustrating year for the All-Star guard, who also missed the first 17 games of the season recovering from ankle surgery sustained in the offseason. Herro’s absence has left a noticeable void in Miami’s lineup during a challenging stretch.
### Other Key Absences
Pelle Larsson is also sidelined, expected to miss six of Miami’s final seven games, including Tuesday’s matchup, due to an ankle sprain. Nikola Jovic remains out as well, recovering from a right elbow contusion and laceration sustained in a game against the Raptors on December 15.
### Coach Spoelstra’s Optimism
Despite the setbacks, Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra expressed encouragement regarding the trio’s progress ahead of Tuesday’s game. Speaking to ClutchPoints, Spoelstra said, “I’m very encouraged by the progress. They’re not ready to go tonight, and we don’t have a timeline, but I’m seeing what they’re doing. I came in yesterday, and I was encouraged.”
### “Not Enough” Mindset Amid Slump
With the team struggling through injuries, Herro’s presence is sorely missed, especially as Miami battles to reverse its slump. Spoelstra remains patient and understanding, emphasizing, “No, it’s part of the process. He’s working diligently as well. And as soon as he can get back to feeling like he can move the way he wants to move, he’ll be back out there.”
The Heat started the season strong with a 14-7 record, but opponents have adapted to Miami’s faster offensive style, challenging the team to adjust in turn. After a recent 135-127 loss to the New York Knicks, Spoelstra delivered a blunt assessment of the team’s effort.
> “We’re not trying to just play well and lose at the end. We’re developing a competitive, collective will. Our guys care in the locker room, but it’s got to be another level. It’s not enough. It’s got to be more. This league is a savage league. It’s survival of the competitive toughest, and that’s where we’re going to get.”
### Looking Ahead
As the Heat aim to avoid slipping below a .500 record—they entered Tuesday’s game at 15-14—the timeline for Herro, Jovic, and Larsson’s return remains uncertain. Fans and teammates alike hope the trio can come back healthy and help Miami find its winning rhythm once again.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/miami-heat/heat-news-erik-spoelstra-encouraged-by-tyler-herros-injury-recovery