Nikola Jovic Sidelined for Heat Heat's Nikola Jovic: Won't Return Tuesday

Nikola Jovic will not join the Heat in Oklahoma City on Tuesday due to lower back soreness.

Miami Heat rookie Nikola Jovic will not travel with the team to Oklahoma City for Tuesday's game against the Thunder due to lower back soreness, the team announced Monday.

Heat's Nikola Jovic: Won't Return Tuesday

Jovic, 20, has missed the Heat's last two games with the injury. He is averaging 5.8 points and 2.7 rebounds in 11 games this season.

The Heat are 6-5 this season and are currently in fifth place in the Eastern Conference.

With Jovic out, Haywood Highsmith is expected to start at power forward on Tuesday.