Miami Heat lose PJ Tucker in Game 1 to right ankle injury

The Miami Heat suffered a major setback on the court early in Game 1 as PJ Tucker went to the locker room with an ankle injury. The former Texas forward suffered what appeared to be a non-contact injury while defending a play in the middle of the second quarter, as he left in the middle of a play by limping towards the bench.

Once he reached the bench, medical staff looked at him as he sat on the ground before he stood up under his own power and limped into the locker room for further evaluation.

PJ Tucker suffers ankle injury

With Boston leading 43-32 with about six minutes remaining in the second quarter, Miami might have lost one of their key players to an injury. Tucker had two points, two rebounds and an assist when he was forced out of the game.

“PJ Tucker dealing with a right ankle,” updated Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press.

It was initially unclear what exactly happened on the play where Tucker was injured, but initial fears were that it could have been an Achilles tear given the nature of the injury. While Marcus Smart and Al Horford were both ruled out ahead of Game 1 for Boston, Miami was also without one of their key players already in Kyle Lowry.

Shortly afterwards on the broadcast, it was relayed that Tucker’s injury did not appear to be as serious as initially thought. While he remained in the locker room for the first half, reports indicated that he could possibly return to the game.

The Heat trailed Boston 62-54 at the half after giving up 42 points in the paint to the Celtics. Boston came into the game on just one day of rest after a seven-game series with the defending NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks.