This year's Eastern Conference Finals has been an unconventional back-and-forth battle. Headed into Game 6, both the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics traded blowout wins before Boston picked up the first consecutive win of the series. With the Heat on their heels, a new injury update on Tyler Herro could be huge for Miami's chances.

Shams Charania took to the Pat McAfee Show and said he expects Tyler Herro to play in Game 6. The news comes just days after his status was upgraded to Questionable.

“There is optimism he will be in the lineup, or at least be available for Erik Spoelstra,” Charania told McAfee Friday afternoon.

Herro's return could provide a big boost for the Heat in the series. Important figures on both teams have struggled with injury, including Kyle Lowry and Marcus Smart, and any advantage is going to provide considerable momentum.

The reigning NBA Sixth Man of the year is averaging 13.5 points per game in 26.7 minutes this postseason. He was sidelined in the Game 5 loss with a groin injury. With a win Friday night, the Heat would secure a game 7 back at in Miami and be in a favorable position to return to the NBA Finals.

It's not an easy task do defeat the Celtics at home, but Herro's return will do a lot for Miami's odds. Herro is still officially listed as a game-time decision, but if he is cleared to play ahead of tip-off, expect the Heat to go down swinging at the very least.