The Miami Heat’s injury list and NBA regulations appear to be a never-ending saga. The NBA got another chance to penalize the franchise for not complying with the injury update accurately.
In the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on December 14, the Heat played five players from the questionable or probable list that were not updated prior to the game, and the NBA snubbed them with a $250,00 fine. The following day, they listed every player as injured, shocking the NBA world.
4:00 pm ET: The NBA fines the Miami Heat $25,000 for not accurately updating player injury statuses this week.
5:30 pm ET: The Heat list all 16 of their players on the injury report for tomorrow's game in Mexico City. pic.twitter.com/LsGs0jMlm9
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) December 17, 2022
However, the Heat again pulled a similar stunt ahead of the game against the Boston Celtics and faced familiar consequences.
What actually happened to the Miami Heat regarding their injury list?
The Heat’s small forward Jimmy Butler was out of the matchup due to a back injury, and the organization didn’t update the initial injury list. Despite Butler’s absence, they won the game by a dramatic 98-95 score.
The NBA hit the Heat with another fine, but this time they left out the reason or occasion that violated the regulation.
The following was released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/amQClyoO3l
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) January 28, 2023
The franchise has been going through some rough patches throughout the season, including the ftx scandal and the injury bug, which has sapped most of their spirit. Consistent injury and player absences have a negative impact on the team’s morale and efficiency in the front office.
The Heat are on a three-game winning streak that keeps them as the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference. Jimmy’s recent back injury puts extra weight on the team to perform accordingly.
The 6.7-footer scored on average 21.8 points with 6 rebounds and 5 assists per game in his 35 appearances this season. There is no estimated date for his return yet, but the penalty might make it tricky for the Heat to make the six-time NBA all-star available.
