Heat’s Pelle Larsson still limited by headaches after weeklong illness

MIAMI (Oct. 14, 2026) — Pelle Larsson is still working his way back from an illness that left him with nearly round-the-clock headaches for about a week, putting another Miami Heat preseason appearance in doubt.

Larsson said Tuesday was the first morning he woke up without a headache. He did limited work after practice rather than a full session and described his plan as increasing the load slowly after trying to return too soon.

How the illness disrupted camp

Larsson traced the start of the issue to around Miami’s early October trip that included the preseason opener in Quebec City. He missed the Heat’s exhibition against New Orleans, then returned Saturday against Minnesota before leaving that game early because he still did not feel right.

In that brief return he scored 14 points with five assists but also turned the ball over four times in roughly 25 minutes. He later said fatigue caught up with him after the game and that pushing through made the symptoms worse once he stopped moving.

Spoelstra wants a slower ramp

Coach Erik Spoelstra said Larsson is wired to go from zero to full speed and that the staff has to protect him from himself. Spoelstra called the earlier comeback a bit too fast and expressed confidence Larsson would be back soon if the team keeps the ramp gradual.

Larsson is unlikely for Wednesday’s home exhibition against Brooklyn, with Friday at Orlando still on the calendar before Miami opens the regular season Oct. 21 against Minnesota. The Heat are already managing other absences, including Dru Smith’s calf strain, which had given Larsson extra point-guard reps earlier in camp. His four-year extension that begins this season only raises the value of getting him healthy before tip-off.

Miami’s remaining exhibitions are the last chance to get Larsson meaningful minutes before the opener. If the headaches stay away under a slower workload, the Heat can revisit a larger role; if not, they will keep protecting the wing and leaning on other ball-handlers.