Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro is nearing a return to the lineup from a broken hand that he suffered in the first round against the Milwaukee Bucks, but will he be able to play in Game 3?
Herro apparently went through his normal warm up prior to Game 2 in Denver, and it had been reported prior to the NBA Finals starting that he was targeting a potential return in Game 3 in Miami.
With the Heat evening the series on Sunday night, Herro's return could be exactly what the team needs to take a commanding lead on the Nuggets before the series shifts back to Denver.
However, Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra revealed that the team's medical staff has not cleared Herro just yet.
If Herro does get cleared, the Heat could be a massive value in Game 3. The team is currently set as a 2.5-point underdog at home, where it has gone 6-2 straight up in the playoffs.
Herro's scoring prowess would undoubtedly boost Miami's chances, even though the team has seen other players step up over the course of this playoff run.
Nuggets vs. Heat odds, spread and total for Game 3
Tyler Herro would give Heat massive offensive boost
During the regular season, Herro averaged 20.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game while shooting 43.9 percent from the field and 37.8 percent from beyond the arc.
While it may be a major ask for him to return to his usual role in Game 3, he gives Erik Spoelstra another option at the guard spot. That is key, as the Heat saw Max Strus fail to make a shot in Game 1 of this series and have had other players struggle in games throughout the playoffs.
A return from Herro would strengthen Miami's rotation, and it would give Denver another scoring option to have to worry about on defense.
Miami has played well at home in the playoffs, only losing Game 4 and Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals to the Boston Celtics in Miami.
With the Heat set as underdogs in Game 3, they could be a great upset pick if Herro is ruled in. Bettors may have to take the leap of faith to bet Miami before Herro's status is revealed to get the Heat the current number, but either way he makes the team a more intriguing pick if he plays.
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