Zubac returns and starts for Clippers, Herro a late scratch for Heat with headache

Updated Feb. 4, 2024 6:18 p.m. ET

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MIAMI (AP) — Ivica Zubac is back for the Los Angeles Clippers. Tyler Herro was out for the Miami Heat.

The Clippers got their starting center back on Sunday, with Zubac in the lineup again after a nine-game absence because of a strained right calf.

But Herro — who was listed as a starter 40 minutes before the start of the Clippers-Heat game — was downgraded to questionable shortly after Miami released its opening lineup for the game because of a headache. A few minutes later, he was downgraded again to out.

“It means a lot because Zu's been our starting center to anchor our defense,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said of Zubac returning. “He understands our offense, because he's been here all four years that I've been here. But the biggest thing is defensively ... it's just huge for us.”

Josh Richardson started in Herro's place for a Miami team that has now used 26 starting lineups in 50 games.

Herro's absence meant that Miami entered Sunday without its three leaders in 3-pointers made this season. Duncan Robinson, who leads the Heat with 124, was out again because he remains in the NBA's concussion protocols. Herro has made 100, and Kyle Lowry — traded last month to Charlotte — still ranks third on the Heat in 3s made this season with 62.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

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Ivica Zubac

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