The Miami Heat will be without guard Pelle Larsson when they visit the Detroit Pistons on Thursday after the 24-year-old sprained his left ankle Monday in Denver. Head coach Erik Spoelstra said no MRI was needed, and Larsson, who missed five games in December with a right-ankle sprain, expects a shorter absence this time. Miami plays five times over the next eight days.
Larsson participated in light side work during Wednesday’s practice but was formally ruled out for the Detroit game.
Jaquez Expands Playmaking Duties
Third-year forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. continues to strengthen his Sixth Man of the Year case. The UCLA product handed out a career-best 11 assists Monday and is averaging 4.8 assists on the season, nearly doubling his first two campaigns (2.6 and 2.5). Spoelstra praised Jaquez’s improved reads against double-teams, noting extensive film study. Jaquez becomes eligible for a rookie-scale extension this summer.
Jovic Finds a New Gear
Since returning from an elbow injury, Nikola Jovic has averaged 17.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists across three games, hitting 40.9% of his three-point attempts in 24.0 minutes per night. The Serbian forward said treating basketball “as a profession” rather than a hobby has driven the turnaround after a sluggish first 19 outings.
Ware’s Long-Range Touch Stays Hot
Second-year center Kelel Ware, 21, is shooting 47.3% from deep this season, converting 43 of 91 attempts. Spoelstra called Ware’s development nonlinear but emphasized the big man’s openness to coaching and “great potential.”
Miami enters Thursday’s game at Little Caesars Arena managing injuries while banking on the continued progress of its young core.
Source: Hoops Rumors
