Heat guard Dru Smith has landed a right calf strain, sidelining him for at least two weeks, according to the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
Given that timeline, Smith might return for Miami’s Oct. 21 opener, but his absence thins an already shallow backcourt. He was slated as the primary backup to starter Davion Mitchell.
The Heat still have an open roster spot and have been linked to veteran point guard Gabe Vincent. For my money, Vincent is the smartest signing the club can make right now, though it’s unclear if Smith’s injury will force a move or if the front office will stay put.
We have a few more health‑related updates from around the NBA:
- Sixers center Tacko Fall was diagnosed with a left hip strain after an MRI and will be re‑evaluated in two weeks, the team announced. He’s on a non‑guaranteed deal and likely headed to the G League’s Delaware Blue Coats.
- Another Sixers big man, Adem Bona, will be re‑evaluated in the next few days as he recovers from a sprained foot, coach Nick Nurse said he hopes to see Bona on the floor during the preseason.
- Magic guard Anthony Black is easing back from a minor ankle sprain, while forward Noah Penda recently tweaked his hamstring. Neither issue raises alarm, but both are missing the team’s two‑a‑day sessions this week.
- Noting that Jakob Poeltl battled a back injury last season, the Raptors’ center has revamped his conditioning program and reports feeling better this fall. Will he stay healthy enough to anchor Toronto’s defense this season?