Miami Heat

Miami Heat forward/center Kevin Love (heel) has been downgraded to out for Thursday's NBA Finals rematch against the Nuggets. The veteran hurt his right heel against Portland on Tuesday. Love initially carried a questionable tag on the injury report but was quickly ruled out for Thursday's action. His absence puts the limelight on Nikola Jovic and Haywood Highsmith, who will have a chance to play bigger roles. Both players have had some standout games in 2023-24 but haven't been consistent enough to be regarded as must-have players for Thursday's slate.

Miami Heat forward Kevin Love (heel) is listed as questionable ahead of Thursday's game against the Denver Nuggets. The veteran forward was forced to exit early during Tuesday's contest due to a right heel issue. Another absence for Love would mean increased playing time for both Haywood Highsmith and Nikola Jovic. They'd likely split up the minutes, so neither of them would have great streaming appeal for Thursday's game.

Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (knee) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Denver Nuggets. Herro has missed each of the last two games while dealing with a left knee hyperextension. It sounds like Herro is making good progress and should be ready to go in time for Thursday's game. If he plays, Duncan Robinson would likely be shifted back to the bench where he wouldn't have as much streaming appeal.

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler will return from a one-game suspension on Tuesday versus Portland. Butler had to sit out one game for his involvement in Friday's altercation with the Pelicans players. With Tyler Herro (knee) on the shelf, the Heat offense should flow a lot of times through Butler on Tuesday. His scoring average has gone up by two points in games without Herro this season. Nikola Jovic is also eligible to return on Tuesday after serving a one-game suspension.

Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (knee) will return from a four-game absence on Tuesday against Portland. He should jump straight into a key role with Tyler Herro (knee) on the shelf. Rozier's life has been difficult in Miami, but the extra usage that will come from Herro's absence could give him a much-needed boost. Through his first 10 appearances with the Heat, Rozier has recorded 12.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.6 assists with an abysmal 23.4 percent shooting from deep.