Highsmith will start Friday's game against the Wizards.

EDGE Analysis

Jaime Jaquez had been starting previously for the Heat in place of Kevin Love (shoulder). However, even though Love is available to play Friday, the veteran will come off the bench with Haywood Highsmith drawing the start. Highsmith has played well to begin the season, averaging 9.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 blocks and 1.0 steals.

Highsmith (knee) logged 22 minutes off the bench in Wednesday's 109-105 loss to Brooklyn, finishing with nine points (3-5 FG, 3-4 3Pt), four rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block.

EDGE Analysis

Highsmith was cleared to make his season debut Wednesday after he missed Miami's first four games while recovering from an MCL sprain of his left knee, an injury he suffered late in the preseason. Miami was without Kevin Love (shoulder) and Caleb Martin (knee) on Wednesday, and while the latter is facing an uncertain timeline for a return, Love should be back in action Friday versus the Wizards. The expected return of Love could result in Highsmith's playing time taking a hit if the Heat aren't missing any other key rotation players aside from Martin.

Highsmith (knee) is available for Wednesday's game versus the Nets, Tim Reynolds of Associated Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Highsmith has been upgraded from probable to available Wednesday after missing Miami's first four games of the season with a knee injury. Highsmith will likely serve as one of the Heat's backup forwards. He averaged 4.4 points and 3.5 rebounds in 17.9 minutes across 54 appearances in 2022-23.

Highsmith (knee) has been upgraded to probable for Wednesday's matchup against the Nets, Tim Reynolds of Associated Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Highsmith will likely make his season debut after missing the first four contests due to a sprained MCL he suffered during training camp. Last season, the undrafted wing posted 4.4 points and 3.5 rebounds in 17.9 minutes across 54 appearances (11 starts) -- all career-high marks.

Highsmith (knee) is questionable to play in Wednesday's game against the Nets, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

Highsmith was diagnosed with an MCL sprain on Oct. 19 and was slated to be re-evaluated in two weeks. However, he seems to be slightly ahead of schedule. If he's able to go Wednesday, Highsmith would provide fresh legs to a Miami offense that ranks 26th in efficiency.

Highsmith will miss the start of the regular season after being diagnosed with a left MCL sprain, Tim Reynolds of Associated Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Highsmith had already been ruled out for the preseason finale against the Rockets on Friday, but it seems the injury is more severe than originally expected. He averaged 9.3 points per game in four preseason contests.

Highsmith won't travel with the team for Friday's preseason game against the Rockets due to a left knee sprain, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's unclear if Highsmith's injury is serious or if the Heat are just being cautious with him for the preseason finale. Regardless, his next chance to suit up will be Miami's regular-season opener against Detroit on Oct. 25.

Highsmith posted 15 points (6-8 FG, 3-4 3Pt), three rebounds, an assist and a block across 27 minutes in Wednesday's 107-104 preseason loss to the Nets.

EDGE Analysis

Highsmith is competing for a bench role ahead of Opening Night, and he certainly made his presence felt in this one, as he missed just two shots from the field and was one of Miami's highest-scoring players. He's averaging 9.3 points per game in four preseason contests.

Highsmith will start Friday's preseason game against the Spurs, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Heat have 10 players ruled out for the contest. Highsmith will be joined by Dru Smith Duncan Robinson, Jamal Cain and Thomas Bryant in the first unit, and they all figure to play heavy minutes for a shorthanded Miami squad.

Highsmith ended Thursday's 110-97 loss to the Celtics in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals with 15 points (6-9 FG, 3-4 3Pt), two rebounds, one assist and two steals over 36 minutes.

EDGE Analysis

Highsmith logged 36 minutes in the loss, sliding up in the rotation after Gabe Vincent was ruled out due to an ankle injury. Despite the loss, Highsmith provided the Heat with nice production off the bench, contributing on both ends of the floor. Should Vincent be ruled out for Game 6, expect to once again see Highsmith playing with more purpose as the Heat look to finish off the Celtics at home.