Nikola Jovic’s return to the Heat rotation ended almost as soon as it began Monday night in Toronto.
Just 12 seconds after checking in, the player went down hard on a fast-break dunk attempt after being fouled by Raptors rookie Collin Murray-Boyles, injuring his right elbow, according to Ira Winderman.
While there was no malicious intent on the play, the fall looked severe, with Jovic landing heavily on his elbow and lower back.
Jovic stayed on the floor for several minutes as trainers attended to him, and a stretcher was brought out as a precaution.
He ultimately didn’t need it, but he was helped off the court with his arm supported in a protective brace.
Initial X-rays on the elbow were negative, and Jovic is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Tuesday, per Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press.
The injury is another setback in a challenging start to his fourth NBA season.
The 22-year-old, who was playing due to a late Tyler Herro scratch, has averaged 7.6 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 18 games and is in the final year before his four-year, $62.4 million extension kicks in next summer.
Heat's Nikola Jovic Exits Monday's Game With Elbow Injury https://t.co/FVnL6iWkgJ pic.twitter.com/4U5QtStTCu
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) December 16, 2025
