Miami Heat: Tyler Herro out; Jimmy Butler will try to play vs. Boston in Game 4

In Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Miami Heat will be shorthanded against the Boston Celtics.

The Boston Celtics will face the Miami Heat in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals, behind 2-1. It appears like they will have a chance to accomplish so against an injured Heat club.

The Heat are expected to be without Tyler Herro and possibly Jimmy Butler for the shootaround.

Jimmy will try to play in Game 4, but his participation is not guaranteed. That means the Heat will have to take a 3-1 series lead over Boston while playing with a reduced roster. This will not be an easy undertaking.

It was always going to be difficult for the Heat to win in Boston, especially in Game 4. Even if they were perfectly OK. In the playoffs, doing so without Herro and possibly Butler appears exceedingly unlikely.

Herro’s death hurts, despite his struggles throughout the series. They’ll miss not only his aggressiveness off the bench, but also the pick-and-roll connection he’s formed with Bam Adebayo.

Herro struggled offensively in Game 3, but he was instrumental in getting Bam involved early in the game. That attitude persisted throughout the competition.

However, owing to a decisive Game 3 victory, the Heat has some leeway when it comes to extending Herro’s recuperation time. Hopefully, the next two days will be crucial in his rehabilitation and he will be ready for Game 5 in Miami, which may be pivotal.

In terms of Jimmy, I wouldn’t automatically assume that he’ll play in Hoston on Monday night.

In fact, it wouldn’t be strange if the Heat followed suit and decided to bench Jimmy. However, if Miami is to have any chance of beating the Celtics on the road, Jimmy will be required. If Butler is ruled out, there may be little need to attend the game in Miami. Especially with the expectation that the Celtics will be attempting to make a big comeback.