Pelle Larsson
Getty
Pelle Larsson and Nikola Jovic are set to return on December 26.
The Miami Heat are set to return two key rotational players ahead of the team’s December 26 matchup with the Atlanta Hawks.
Neither guard Pelle Larsson nor forward Nikola Jovic has suited up in over 10 days, but they are returning to bring momentum to a Heat team that has struggled in December.
“They made that final check-off on Christmas Eve,” Head Coach Erik Spoelstra said. “They had a good practice; both are able to get after it. They’re eager to get back out there.”
Larsson is averaging 8.7 points, 3.2 assists and 2.5 rebounds in 24 games this season. The Heat are 10-6 in games in which Larsson starts.
Jovic has struggled compared to last season. He’s averaging 7.2 points per game on 39% from the field. He’s only scored 20 or more points in two of his 20 appearances this season.
Their return is important as center Bam Adebayo was downgraded to doubtful with lower back soreness. Tyler Herro remains out with a toe injury.
Adebayo should be set to return in the near future if he doesn’t suit up tonight.
“I think if we handle it now, he’ll be fine,” Spoelstra said. “But it was pretty sore.”
Miami Heat Could be Fueled by Larsson and Jovic Returning
Nikola Jovic
GettyPelle Larsson and Nikola Jokic could provide the Miami Heat with a boost.
The Miami Heat’s return of Pelle Larsson and Nikola Jovic could be the missing piece to turn around the team’s season.
Erik Spoelstra is encouraged by what he’s seen at practice with the return of two key role players.
“The majority of the games have been winnable,” Spoelstra said. “It’s a matter of collectively finding a way to get a win. We’re improving and trying to improve certain aspects of our game.”
“We know the deal. It’s about this competitive, collective will that we have to bring. It’s a dog fight. Nobody likes how we’ve been the last 10 games.”
Larsson and Jovic also bring a toughness that the Heat have been missing over the last month. Their edge could help improve a defense that hasn’t been generating stops.
“Just trusting each other,” Larsson said. “We don’t want to be an average team, so we can’t be doing average things.”
Miami Heat’s Larsson and Jovic Have Worked to Make it Back
Returning from injury is never easy, but Pelle Larsson and Nikola Jovic have put in the work to return to the court and help the Miami Heat produce.
“I’ve been staying back from road trips and working with Jeff Ruiz every day, a couple of hours,” Larsson said. “Trying to get the ankle right.”
Larsson added he has been working on his ankle away from the team.
Meanwhile, Jovic has had to battle both injuries this season and maintain his place in the rotation.
He will have an opportunity, with Bam Adebayo injured, to help put the Heat back in the win column.
“Find a game plan that’s going to help us win every game,” Jovic said. “That’s what we’re trying to do. For us, I think that’s just being aggressive and bringing more energy to the game.”