Miami Heat's Tyler Herro Aiming For Return To Action On Friday Against Houston Rockets

Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro could make his return from an extensive absence on Friday evening against the Houston Rockets (38-38).

Herro missed the last 20 games due to knee and foot injuries. The Heat star recorded more than 22 points in three of his last five matchups prior to injury. There is optimism for Herro's return tonight against the Rockets, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania.

"There is optimism Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro – out since Feb. 23 with a foot injury – could return to the lineup on Friday vs. the Houston Rockets, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium," Charania posted. "Herro traveled on team's three-game trip to Houston, Indiana and Atlanta."

Herro's offensive impact will benefit the lineup, especially in the postseason. This issue for the Heat was in full effect in Thursday's loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, as Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo combined for 34 points. Meanwhile, the Sixers tandem of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey scored a combined 66 points.

The Heat's intense span of games doesn't stop until facing the Indiana Pacers on Sunday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse Arena. This is arguably the most important matchup of a difficult stretch because the Pacers are in competition for the No. 6 seed. The Heat could remove themselves from the Play-In Tournament with a win, which guarantees a playoff spot. Despite fighting out of the Play-In all the way to the NBA Finals last season, security is a top priority for the team.

Anthony Pasciolla is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He can be reached at ampasciolla@gmail.com or on Instagram @anthony.pasciolla