Tyler Herro upgraded to ‘questionable,’ expected to play for Heat in Game 5

DENVER — Miami needs to find an offensive spark for Game 5, they have to find a way to score with Denver.

Maybe Tyler Herro can provide it. In a surprise move, Herro has been upgraded to questionable for Game 5, the Heat announced. Out since the first game against Milwaukee with a fractured hand, he is expected to suit up and could see minutes in a game where the Heat’s season is on the line Monday, down 3-1 to the Nuggets and on the road.

#MIAvsDEN INJURY UPDATE: Tyler Herro (hand) is listed as questionable to play in tonight's #NBAFinals Game 5 vs the Nuggets.

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) June 12, 2023

This is good news for Herro, who has put in the work and wants a chance. Officially he will be a game-time decision after warm-ups.

This also came as a surprise after coach Erik Spoelstra said on Sunday, “No new update. He’s doing another contact workout today.” He was a nominal participant in the Heat’s public-facing practice (shootaround) in front of the press. Herro has not played all series and did not speak to the media (a requirement for players returning from injury), so he was expected to be out.

How much of a boost Herro can provide the Heat at this point is a fair question, but Spoelstra has to be willing to try anything as his team has not been able to slow the Nugget offense so he needs buckets. Herro hasn’t played since April 16 following a brutal broken hand injury, and as of a week ago still had pain and swelling in the hand when shooting. He has drawn praise from teammates for his diligence in the rehab process, but doctors had yet to clear him. They have now.

Taking a guy who hasn’t played in almost two months and throwing him into the NBA Finals against a long and active defense is a big ask, but it’s