Is Nikola Jovic all right? That question would be on the minds of attendees at the Kia Center as the matchup between the Miami Heat and the Orlando Magic continues to be underway. For the most part, the Serbian had not been too consistent with his appearances. There seemed to be an indication that all of that was changing, as Jovic was back to the starting lineup a little before mid-December. It did not seem as if he would be going back to the Injury Report. Unfortunately, thanks to recent events, it seems as if that consistency streak may hit a pothole.

Earlier today, it was reported that Nikola Jovic left the ongoing matchup with a left ankle sprain. The incident occurred as the player was reportedly attempting to drive to the rim. He was captured landing awkwardly on his leg, which caused him to lie on his back, right on the court, while grabbing his ankle. With around 10 minutes remaining in the 4 quarter, Jovic was taken to the locker room. According to reports, he is now doubtful to return for the remaining minutes of the game.

Jovic exited the game after playing for over 24 minutes. Even in that period, he was able to score only 8 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. Fortunately, four other players were able to make a better contribution to the overall total. Tyler Herro led the offensive effort with his 20 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists. As a result, the Heat squad managed to get through without Jovic and secured a close win through an 89-88 score.

This is not the first time that Nikola Jovic has suffered a left ankle sprain in this season itself. After missing a matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks back in late November, Ira Winderman reported that the ailment would force the player to be ‘OUT’ of the then-upcoming game against the Toronto Raptors. In total, Jovic was absent for 8 consecutive games. Therefore, the recent ankle sprain, that too on the same leg, isn’t something that should be taken lightly.

The Serbian’s injury only adds to the problems for Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra. After all, going into the matchup against the Orlando Magic, the Heat had not 1, but 3 players listed as ‘OUT’. Jimmy Butler missed his 4 consecutive game after he was diagnosed with “return to competition reconditioning.” Some reports have attributed the same to a stomach illness.

Josh Richardson hasn’t played a single game since the Philadelphia 76ers matchup around mid-November. He continued to be absent from the starting lineup for this game, too. During the Miami Heat’s 110-95 win against the Brooklyn Nets, Dru Smith sustained a torn Achilles tendon. The same will now keep him ‘OUT’ for the remainder of the season.

Being a rotation player, the Serbian is someone whose presence can have an impact on the Heat’s standing during games. Therefore, if he manages to be absent for an extended period, the Miami Heat will have to figure out some things.

What changes can the Miami Heat make to the starting lineup in light of Nikola Jovic’s absence?

If Nikola Jovic ends up being sidelined, then Jaime Jaquez Jr. may see an increase in his on-court responsibilities. Jovic has managed to average 8.4 points, with an average playtime of 19.4 minutes. Meanwhile, Jaime has been on the same level, averaging 8.9 points in a per-game playing time of 21.8 minutes. Being the secondary small forward, the player had already been covering for Jimmy Butler in the scorer’s absence. Now, it seems that the pressure to perform on the court would only increase for him.

It was only recently when the Miami Heat managed to recover from a 3-game loss streak. They currently hold the 6 seed on the Eastern Conference points chart. Therefore, the last thing the team would want is to lose their standing.

Therefore, Heat fans would be hoping that, along with the rest of the injured players, Nikola Jovic would make a comeback to the court soon.