The Miami Heat have punched their ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals. While they wait to see who their opponent will be in the next round of the NBA playoffs, they will also wait to see if Kyle Lowry will be healthy enough to join him.

Lowry has missed six of the Heat's 11 playoff games, including their last two, because of a hamstring injury. The 36-year-old has averaged just 6.2 points per game in the postseason. Although he traveled with the team in its series-clinching win in the second round against the Philadelphia 76ers, he did not show enough progression with his injury to get back on the court.

Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra told reporters that Lowry was with the team again at practice but did not participate, leaving his status for the upcoming series unclear.

The conference finals begin on Tuesday in Miami, which owns homecourt advantage in the series. Today's Game 7 between Jayson Tatum's Boston Celtics and Giannis Antetokounmpo's Milwaukee Bucks will determine who the Heat face. Both squads will be a challenge to take down.

Lowry will be very important to have moving forward in the NBA playoffs. The 2019 champion was a key contributor during the regular season and brings much-needed playmaking, defense and shooting. He will have to get back to full health first, which may be a long road to travel.

Even if the Heat are not fortunate enough to get Lowry back, they have the depth and the talent to compete at a very high level.