The Miami Heat are getting some much-needed reinforcements for their NBA Cup matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks, as Andrew Wiggins, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jovic, and Dru Smith have all officially been listed as probable.
Surprisingly, all four were dealing with separate hip injuries and were questionable heading into Thanksgiving Eve, but each is now on track to suit up. Wiggins and Jovic both missed Miami’s most recent game against the Dallas Mavericks, making their return especially timely.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. has been everything Heat fans hoped for this season and has quickly emerged as a leading contender for Sixth Man of the Year. He’s averaging 16.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists in 18 games off the bench—an across-the-board improvement that’s given Erik Spoelstra a spark plug he can rely on at any moment.
Andrew Wiggins has also been a strong addition, posting 16.7 points and 4.9 rebounds on a career-high 48.1% shooting. He’s started 15 games for Miami, providing another offensive option alongside Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo while stabilizing a roster that’s dealt with early-season injuries.
Miami’s depth is arriving at the perfect time, and couldn’t have been a better ask for head coach Erik Spoelstra. Tyler Herro recently returned after missing the start of the regular season, and Norman Powell is also expected back after sitting out one game with a strained groin. Powell has quietly been electric for the Heat, averaging 25.4 points and 1.3 steals across 14 appearances, making the team’s trade for him from the Los Angeles Clippers all but worth the return.
The Heat now look to secure their sixth straight win tonight in a pivotal NBA Cup showdown. Miami currently leads East Group C in point differential at +47 but sits second behind the 2-0 Milwaukee Bucks. A victory is essential to keep their tournament hopes alive.
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