The Miami Heat will officially be shorthanded when they take the court for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics Tuesday night. As part of their Monday afternoon injury report, the Heat ruled point guard Kyle Lowry out for the game.
Lowry has been dealing with a hamstring injury that has been bothering him since the end of the regular season. He missed four of the six games in Miami’s last series against the Sixers including the last two, and has played in just five on Miami’s 11 postseason games this year.
During the regular season, Lowry played in and started 63 games for Miami. He averaged 13.4 points per game while shooting 44 percent from the floor and 37.7 percent from deep, while adding 7.5 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game. When healthy in the playoffs he’s been limited, averaging 6.2 points and 5.2 assists in 28.9 minutes per game.
In addition to ruling out Lowry, the Heat listed four other players as questionable in guard Max Struss (hamstring), and forwards P.J. Tucker (calf), Caleb Martin (ankle), and Gabe Vincent (hamstring). All four play significant roles for Miami.
Meanwhile, the Celtics’ Monday injury report lists just two players. Marcus Smart is questionable with a right foot strain, an injury Ime Udoka discussed earlier in the day. Forward Sam Hauser has been ruled out with a right shoulder injury.
Noticeably absent is center Robert Williams, who dressed but didn’t play in the Celtics’ Game 7 win over the Bucks. Udoka told the media on Monday Williams will be available Tuesday night with no minutes restriction.
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