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Heat’s Herro, Jaquez, Richardson sidelined by injuries heading into preseason; plus scrimmage thoughts

Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro during his game against the Denver Nuggets at Kaseya Center on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 in Miami. (John McCall/South Florida ֱ)
Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro during his game against the Denver Nuggets at Kaseya Center on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 in Miami. (John McCall/South Florida ֱ)
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MIAMI — The Miami Heat announced three injury absences ahead of Monday night’s Red, White & Pink intrasquad scrimmage, with all three players also to miss Tuesday night’s preseason opener against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center.

Tyler Herro, who has battled a series of injuries in recent years, is sidelined by a strained right groin. The team said an MRI was not necessary, terming it a slight ailment. Herro got shots in before Monday night’s scrimmage benefiting cancer care and research for the Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute.

Also sidelined Monday was forward Jaime Jaquez Jr., who underwent an MRI for a strained left groin. He is listed as day to day.

As was somewhat expected, veteran guard Josh Richardson also remains out of competition, as he continues his recovery from last season’s shoulder surgery.

After Tuesday’s game in Charlotte, the Heat’s preseason continues with their home exhibition opener Thursday against the Atlanta Hawks.

The Heat are scheduled for five exhibitions before their Oct. 23 regular-season opener against the visiting Orlando Magic.

Thoughts on Monday night’s scrimmage:

– Heat coach Erik Spoelstra greeted the crowd, addressing the cancer survivors, “We are right there with you.”

– Of what is ahead, Spoelstra said, “Just looking forward to a great, great season.”

– The starting lineups hardly offered much in the way of insight with Herro, among others out.

– The starters for the Red team were Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler, Terry Rozier, Nikola Jovic and Alec Burks.

– With Burks the place-holder for Herro in what might be a starting lineup already set.

– Starting for the White team were Thomas Bryant, Haywood Highsmith, Pelle Larsson, Duncan Robinson and Dru Smith.

– Adebayo opened the scoring for his team with a pair of 3-pointers.

– And shortly thereafter hit another, to move to 3 for 3, part of his 11-point effort in his 7:02 in the first period.

– Smith, 11 months removed from last season’s devastating knee injury, moved well.

– The two-way contract for Smith deal could provide dividends with the Heat’s lack of depth at point guard.

– Among the early baskets for the Heat was an accidental lob by Larsson that was nothing but net.

– Larsson also showed the type of energy that had the Heat so enthused with his second-round selection, sharp with his cuts on offense. He closed the opening period with 11 points.

– The Red starters then were replaced midway through the first period by Kel’el Ware, Keshad Johnson, Josh Christoper, Zyon Pullin and Isaiah Stevens.

– An homage to their Las Vegas NBA Summer League championship?

– Kevin Love at that same time entered at center for the White team.

– Robinson was smooth with his stroke, always an encouraging sign.

– Rosters then were reshuffled, with the score reset at the end of each 10-minute period.

– Adebayo (Team USA) was cited after the first quarter for his Paris Olympic gold, with Jovic (Serbia) for his bronze at the games.

– Caleb Daniels and Nassir Little entered for the first time in the second period (the last of the 18 available to see action).

– Later in the second period, a fifth Adebayo 3-pointer followed, at 5 of 11 on 3-pointers at halftime.

– Butler did not attempt a shot in his 12:15 in the first half, playing in a hooded sweatshirt.

– Standing next to Kevin Love during timeout trivia, 20-year-old Ware was asked what band Mike Love was lead singer for. Did not know . . . as a smiling Kevin Love looked on. (Then again, the Beach Boys’ Mike Love is 83.)

– Butler did not play the second half, nor did Adebayo, Rozier or Jovic.

– Highlight of the night? Player karaoke of “I Want it That Way” between the third and fourth quarters.

– Larsson closed with nine assists, Rozier with seven.

– Larsson led all scorers with 21 points, with Adebayo and Bryant each scoring 19.

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