Heat's Josh McRoberts: Will not play Thursday

McRoberts (foot) has been ruled out for Thursday's preseason game against the Hornets, Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer reports.

Analysis:

It continues to look like a long shot that McRoberts will be ready for the start of the regular season with the Heat opening their schedule Oct. 26 against the Magic. McRoberts' ongoing absence has taken him out of the running for starting duties at power forward, with Derrick Williams now looking like the runaway favorite.