Pelle Larsson is easing back into work with the Miami Heat after an illness left him dealing with headaches for roughly a week, putting another preseason appearance in doubt.
Larsson participated in some of Tuesday’s practice. The guard said he had finally experienced a morning without a headache, but his return to activity remained gradual.
“I’ve had headaches,” Larsson said. “I had it pretty much constant for a week. Today was, like, the first day I didn’t wake up with a headache.”
His comments offered an encouraging sign after several interruptions to his preseason. They did not establish that he was ready to play Wednesday against the Brooklyn Nets.
Pelle Larsson’s illness has interrupted his return
The issue has affected more than one game or practice. On Oct. 8, it was reported that Larsson would miss the exhibition against the New Orleans Pelicans after the illness had already cost him practice time.
Larsson returned against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday, but the Heat announced during the game that he had left because of illness and would not return.
#MINvsMIA UPDATE: Pelle Larsson left tonight’s preseason game vs the Wolves due to illness and will not return.
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) October 11, 2026
He finished with 14 points and five assists. The production showed he was able to contribute during the appearance, even though he could not finish the game.
He then missed Monday’s practice, making Tuesday’s limited work a step forward without confirming a complete recovery.
For the Heat, the immediate question is whether Larsson can resume consistent participation. His interrupted comeback makes the amount of work he can sustain more relevant than the fact that he briefly returned to the court.
Miami loses time to evaluate another ball-handler
Larsson’s absence also limits opportunities to assess his place in the offense. As Heat Nation reported Oct. 1, he had expected to spend some time at point guard before Dru Smith’s calf injury created additional uncertainty behind Davion Mitchell.
That earlier report outlined several options for Erik Spoelstra, including Ryan Conwell and Tre Donaldson, while Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo could share responsibility for initiating the offense.
Larsson’s illness interrupts his part of that evaluation. It does not establish that another player has won his minutes or that Miami needs to make a permanent rotation change.
For now, the clearest development is that Larsson was able to do some work Tuesday after sitting out Monday. Whether that progress is enough for Wednesday’s game remains unresolved.
