Kyle Lowry Out As Conference Finals Set To Begin


A hamstring injury has been wreaking havoc on Kyle Lowry throughout the playoffs, and at this point, he is not close to returning to the Miami Heat lineup. 

He's been officially listed as out for Game 1 of the Conference Finals as the Heat take on the Boston Celtics. But how about the rest of the series? 

He sat out a couple of games in the last round versus the Philadelphia 76ers, then came back to play and re-injured it in Game 4 against Philly, and he has not been out there on the floor in practice ever since.

"They are going to miss what he provides (on defense)," said ESPN's Nick Friedell. "And it doesn't sound like he's going to be out there. I'd be surprised, at the start of this series, if we see him playing any kind of major role. He was a defensive engine for that group. He is that veteran presence that calms everybody else down." 

Jimmy Butler says Lowry's role right now is trying to help them as an extra coach.

The Heat have some other nagging injuries as well, with several players listed as questionable, but still "expected" to play: Caleb Martin (ankle sprain), Max Strus (hamstring strain), P.J. Tucker (calf strain) and Gabe Vincent (hamstring strain).

Photo Credit:  Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports