Herro returns, boosting Miami's offense as shorthanded Dallas, plagued by injuries and rebounding woes, seeks to rebound on the road.
The Miami Heat are set to regain an All-Star scorer just as the Dallas Mavericks arrive short-handed and searching for traction.
Tyler Herro is expected to make his 2025–26 season debut Monday against Dallas, according to ESPN. Herro underwent surgery on Sept. 19 to address posterior impingement syndrome in his left ankle and foot, missing Miami’s first month of games. His return adds another experienced scorer to a Heat team already playing some of its best early-season basketball in years.
Herro earned his first All-Star appearance last season after averaging 23.9 points and 5.5 assists on 47.2% shooting, including 37.5% from three.
Miami enters Monday’s matchup riding a four-game winning streak after beating Philadelphia 127-117 on Sunday. The Heat controlled the glass 58-47, leaning on Bam Adebayo and rookie Kel’el Ware, who combined for 29 rebounds.
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said the team’s approach on the glass has fueled their recent surge.
“With our rebounding, Bam and Kel’el were monsters on the glass, each one of them in their own way,” Spoelstra said.
Spoelstra also highlighted Ware’s continued growth.
“How fun was that to see Kel’el in that second quarter? Offensively, putting them back and just playing with so much more force than he was a year ago at this time. He’s gaining confidence.”
The Heat were again led in scoring by Norman Powell, who added 32 points despite entering the game managing a hip concern.
“What an explosive offensive talent he is,” Spoelstra said. “The fact that he made himself available, we’re real appreciative of that.”
The Mavericks, meanwhile, enter their 11th game in 18 days with one of the league’s longest injury reports. Anthony Davis has been upgraded to doubtful after missing 13 straight games with a left calf strain. Dereck Lively II remains out due to right foot injury management. Kyrie Irving and Dante Exum are still sidelined, while Ryan Nembhard (knee) and Brandon Williams (back) are questionable.
Forward P.J. Washington is day-to-day after exiting Saturday’s loss to Memphis with a lower-back injury.
Dallas struggled defensively in that defeat, giving up 23 offensive rebounds in a 102-96 loss. Coach Jason Kidd said the margin proved too costly.
“Giving up 23 offensive rebounds is tough,” Kidd said. “You can’t win in this league if you give up that many rebounds. We have to be physical, and we weren’t.”
Williams, who has stepped into a starting role during the team’s injury stretch, said guards need to do more.
“We just got to be more physical,” Williams said. “Us guards have to come back and help the bigs.”
The Mavericks have leaned on rookie Cooper Flagg, who is averaging 16.1 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists as one of the league’s most productive first-year players.
Miami opens a four-game homestand Monday. Dallas finally receives a brief rest after Miami, though travel to Los Angeles follows before Friday’s game against the Lakers.
Herro’s return amplifies an already difficult matchup for a Mavericks team trying to stay afloat amid injuries and a grueling schedule.