The Miami Heat will be without starting guard Pelle Larsson and veteran Klay Thompson for their NBA Cup game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Larsson was ruled out due to illness, while Thompson is sidelined with left ankle soreness, depleting the team's backcourt options as they aim for a fourth straight win.
Pelle Larsson's absence was confirmed on the official injury report after he missed Thursday's practice. The 25-year-old was initially listed as questionable before being downgraded. Klay Thompson, a five-time All-Star, was also questionable before being ruled out with his ankle issue. This leaves head coach Erik Spoelstra scrambling for perimeter production against a Cavaliers team featuring Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland.
In some positive news, the Heat did receive a boost with Giannis Antetokounmpo being upgraded from probable to available despite a right wrist sprain. The two-time MVP will play, providing Miami with its primary offensive engine. The Cavaliers have their own injury concerns, with Evan Mobley out due to a sprained left big toe.
Larsson's illness interrupts a strong start to his third NBA season. He is coming off a 14-point, seven-rebound performance in the 115-109 road win over the Utah Jazz on November 10. In that game, he shot 4 of 7 from the field and 2 of 3 from three-point range over 31 minutes.
Through 11 games, the former Arizona standout is averaging 11.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per contest. His 46.9% shooting from beyond the arc marks a major leap forward. Larsson has developed into a reliable two-way player, offering defensive versatility and improved shooting. His ability to play multiple positions has been vital for Spoelstra's ever-changing rotations.
With Larsson and Thompson unavailable, Spoelstra will need others to fill the void. Andrew Wiggins and Tim Hardaway Jr. are likely candidates for increased minutes on the wing. Rookie Ryan Conwell could also see an expanded role to provide additional perimeter depth.
The team's recent form suggests they have the resilience to cope. Miami is on a three-game winning streak, with victories over the Sacramento Kings (114-108 on November 8), the Utah Jazz, and most recently, a 133-121 win over these same Cleveland Cavaliers on November 13.
Thompson had been a key contributor during this run, dropping 23 points and hitting seven three-pointers in the Sacramento win. Replacing that volume scoring won't be easy. The Heat's next test comes quickly, as they host the Detroit Pistons on November 14. The team has not provided a timeline for Larsson's return, leaving his status beyond this game unclear.
