Nikola Jovic
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Miami Heat forward Nikola Jovic is dealing with another set back this season.
Miami Heat forward Nikola Jovic has missed four straight games with a back injury, and it doesn’t appear that he’ll be returning anytime soon.
Jovic, who has had an up-and-down season, gave Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald an update on how his back is feeling. He was brutally honest about his pain levels.
My back doesn’t feel good,” Jovic told Chiang. “The scan shows I got some inflammation, and one of my nerves doesn’t look great right now.”
Jovic added that he got an injection to reduce the pain and inflammation in his back last week; however, “it still feels a little weird.”
The fourth year forward last played in the Heat’s 128-97 win over the Atlanta Hawks, finishing with 1 point in three minutes.
At this point, Jovic’s return to the court isn’t known, but Heat coach Erik Spoelstra is confident he’ll be back at some point in the regular season.
“I think we’ll be able to manage it,” Spoelstra said about Jovic’s back injury.
Jovic is averaging 7.5 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game this season. His points, rebounds and assists have decreased from last season. He’s also shooting a career-low 37.0% from the field and 27.2% from three.
His three-point percentage is the lowest of all NBA players who have attempted 160 or more three-pointers.
Nikola Jovic has Been in-and-out of the Miami Heat’s Rotation
Nikola Jovic
GettyEven before missing time with injury, Nikola Jovic struggled to find a role in the Miami Heat’s rotation.
Last season, Nikola Jovic became a steady piece in the Miami Heat’s rotation. He averaged 10.7 points in 46 games and was rewarded in the offseason with a four-year, $62.4 million contract.
His play this season, however, has left a lot to be desired.
Jovic’s plus/minus is a +17, which ranks tenth on the Heat. When he doesn’t play, the Heat are 9-7 with wins over the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets.
Before being sidelined, Jovic was struggling to find his spot in the rotation. His minutes have decreased to 17.6 per game from 25.1 last season.
Jovic consistently finished with over 20 minutes per game early in the season, but after shooting inconsistencies and high amounts of turnovers, he’s found himself watching the majority of games from the sideline.
He’s hoping that an eventual return to action with a healthy back can give him the spark he needs to finish out the year on a high note.
“At the moment, for me to help this team, I have to feel good first,” Jovic emphasized. “I think it’s as simple as that.”
Are Other Miami Heat Players Struggling With Injuries?
Key rotational pieces have missed significant time throughout the Miami Heat’s season, and the current injury report is no different.
In addition to Nikola Jovic, Heat guard Norman Powell is week-to-week with a right groin strain. He exited after 10 minutes in the Heat’s 124-117 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on February 26.
Heat guard Davion Mitchell also popped up on the injury report with a shoulder injury, although he practiced through it.
Mitchell injured his shoulder earlier in the season while fighting through a screen, causing him to miss multiple games.