Heat guard unlikely to play vs. Pelicans despite being available

Less than two hours ahead of Sunday’s contest against the New Orleans Pelicans, Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (toe) was upgraded to available.

However, in a strange twist, the one-time All-Star still isn’t expected to play, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald was among the first to report.

Herro is available and will be in uniform, but he's not expected to play today. This is part of his ramp up and a sign that he is getting closer. https://t.co/3CGMRv6rpc
— Anthony Chiang (@Anthony_Chiang) January 4, 2026

Herro, 25, was upgraded to questionable hours early Sunday morning, with the anticipation that he could be making his return. He had missed the last ten games with a toe injury.

Herro has missed all but six of the Heat’s first 35 games. He’s averaging 23.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists, shooting 50.5 percent from the floor and 40.5 percent from 3-point range.

Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra told reporters that the seventh-year guard is still “day-to-day” without an “exact date” for a possible return, per Chiang.

Erik Spoelstra on Tyler Herro: "He's still day to day and I don't have an exact date when he'll be ready."
— Anthony Chiang (@Anthony_Chiang) January 4, 2026

Nikola Jovic (groin), Bam Adebayo (back) and Pelle Larsson (ankle) are all available, however. Jaime Jaquez Jr., who was limited to just 10 minutes with an ankle sprain the night prior, is out.

I’m not sure I quite understand why he wouldn’t be ruled out if he’s not going to play. What’s the upside of listing him as available, then?! This is quite a weird and confusing look optically.