Heat Upgrade Key Player for NBA Play-In Tournament Clash vs. Hornets

Miami's injury report features a vital upgrade ahead of the crucial play-in game.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:33pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets teams in action.The Heat and Hornets clash in a high-stakes play-in tournament matchup, with Miami's injury report providing a key upgrade ahead of the crucial game.Today in Miami

The Miami Heat will take on the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA Play-In Tournament, and their injury report has an important upgrade. Pelle Larsson, a second-year guard who has been a mainstay in the starting lineup, was upgraded from 'questionable' to 'available' for the game after missing the team's regular-season finale. The Heat will be without Nikola Jovic and Dru Smith, but Larsson's availability is a significant boost as Miami looks to keep its season alive.

Why it matters

The Heat have dealt with injury issues all season, so having Larsson available for the crucial play-in game against the Hornets is a big deal. As the 10th seed, the Heat need to win this game to keep their playoff hopes alive, and Larsson's two-way contributions will be crucial in that effort.

The details

Larsson missed the Heat's regular-season finale due to a right lower leg contusion, but he has been upgraded to 'available' for the play-in game against the Hornets. Larsson has been a regular starter for Miami this season, averaging 11.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game while shooting 49.6% from the field and 32.3% from 3-point range. The Heat will still be without Nikola Jovic, who is dealing with a left ankle sprain, and Dru Smith, who has foot soreness.

  • The Heat's play-in tournament game against the Hornets is on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
  • Larsson missed the Heat's regular-season finale on Sunday, April 12, 2026.

The players

Pelle Larsson

A second-year guard for the Miami Heat who has been a mainstay in the starting lineup, averaging 11.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game this season.

Nikola Jovic

A Heat player who is dealing with a left ankle sprain and is expected to miss the play-in tournament game against the Hornets.

Dru Smith

A Heat player who is out with foot soreness.

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What they’re saying

“The earliest I'd return is the first round of the playoffs, if the Heat were to make it through the play-in tournament, though playing time has been sparse.”

— Nikola Jovic

What’s next

If the Heat are able to defeat the Hornets in the play-in tournament, Jovic could potentially return for the first round of the NBA Playoffs.

The takeaway

The Heat's injury report ahead of the crucial play-in tournament game against the Hornets features a key upgrade, as Pelle Larsson has been cleared to play after missing the team's regular-season finale. Larsson's availability is a significant boost for Miami as they look to keep their season alive and advance to the NBA Playoffs.