Heat release initial injury report for opener v. Timberwolves

The Miami Heat unveiled their first injury report ahead of Wednesday’s season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

And they are entering relatively healthy.

According to the report, only Vlad Goldin (right ankle sprain), who’s playing on a two-way contract, was the only one listed as questionable. Dru Smith (calf), who missed all of preseason, Pelle Larsson (illness) and Myron Gardner (ankle) are all healthy.

For the Timberwolves, only Donte DiVincenzo, who is recovering from a torn achilles suffered last postseason, is on the injured report listed as OUT.

How this affects the Miami Heat’s rotation:

Earlier this week, we delved into what the Heat’s rotation should look like.

Larsson, who missed three of the team’s final four games due to illness, was trending upward this weekend by practicing. If he’s healthy, he’s going to be an important of this rotation whether he’s a starter or reserve.

This doesn’t change much else as it pertains to Gardner or Dru Smith. By virtue of playing well his final three games, Heat rookie Ryan Conwell should have the edge over his counterpart, even though Erik Spoelstra has a strong affinity for Smith. Gardner is still on the outside-looking-in despite his 3-and-D potential.

However Spoelstra decides to roll out the red carpet, the Heat will have at least 9-10 quality bodies available. Miami must find a way to slow down the newfangled LaMelo Ball-Anthony Edwards backcourt while keeping its fast-paced nature it wielded in preseason.

Let’s hope the injury report remains clean this season. Now let the games begin!

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