Duncan Robinson, the Miami Heat’s sharpshooter, has suffered a setback as he exited Monday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers due to a back injury. This latest blow adds to the team’s existing challenges, with key players like Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro already sidelined.

Robinson, who had been dealing with various ailments including thumb, groin, ankle, and shoulder issues, played 24 minutes as a starter before being forced to leave the game. Despite his limited impact on scoring and shooting, the Heat’s coach, Erik Spoelstra, had adjusted his role to keep him more engaged as an on-ball threat and decoy to create scoring opportunities for his teammates.

With the absence of Herro and Butler, Robinson had been demonstrating potential with his ball-handling and playmaking, contributing significantly to the Heat’s performance. However, his injury has left the team with a depleted rotation, relying on only eight players for the remainder of the contest. This situation is likely to result in increased playing time for Patty Mills and Delon Wright.

Robinson’s injury comes at a crucial time, considering his resurgence as a starter for the Miami Heat. After a challenging season in 2022-23, where he fell out of the rotation and struggled with shooting percentages, Robinson has made a remarkable comeback this year. He has played 62 games, with 30 starts, and has significantly improved his numbers, averaging 13.7 points on impressive shooting percentages.

His performance as a starter has been particularly noteworthy, with an average of 16.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, showcasing a remarkable improvement in his game. His contribution to the Heat’s rotation has strengthened his case for the Most Improved Player of the Year award, although he faces tough competition from other candidates.

As the Miami Heat navigates through the challenges of multiple injuries, the absence of Duncan Robinson adds further pressure to the team’s lineup. The extent of his injury and its impact on the team’s future games remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly presents a significant setback for the Heat as they strive to maintain their position in the league.