Sources: Heat's Tyler Herro (groin) not expected to play Game 6 vs. Celtics

BOSTON — Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro is not expected to play Friday in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Boston Celtics with a groin injury, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

The offensive-struggling Heat are one loss away from being eliminated, making matters even more problematic in a pivotal Game 6 on the road without the Sixth Man of the Year in uniform. Herro missed Games 4 and 5 with the same injury.

Herro, 22, participated in parts of shootaround Friday morning, but he experienced some discomfort while sliding defensively, sources said.

The Heat and Herro do not want to put his health at risk, particularly if he steps on the court prematurely and suffers a long-term injury that could require offseason surgery.

The 6-foot-5 guard sustained the injury in a Game 3 victory in Boston. Miami has lost two straight as it attempts to extend the series to a Game 7 on Sunday in Miami.

Herro is averaging 13.5 points and and 4.1 rebounds in the playoffs.

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said he will use the same starting lineup of Kyle Lowry, Max Strus, Jimmy Butler, P.J. Tucker and Bam Adebayo for Friday’s game.