APRIL 18th: The latest intelligence indicates that Butler is set to be out of action for a number of weeks, as per declarations by Charania (Access Tweet). Consequently, even if Miami secures victory on Friday, he could potentially miss a portion or the entirety of the first round of the playoffs.
APRIL 17th: Reports indicate that Heat forward Jimmy Butler could be dealing with an MCL injury in his right knee, as conveyed by sources referenced by Shams Charania of The Athletic (Access Tweet).
After Miami’s loss in the play-in game against Philadelphia, Butler informed the press that he plans to undergo an MRI on Thursday morning to ascertain the gravity of the injury, according to a tweet by Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald (Access Tweet). Butler was spotted with a protective sleeve on his knee post-game and expressed challenges in movement.
While the preliminary evaluation hints at a knee sprain, further elucidation will be provided by the MRI, as reported by Chiang (Access Tweet). Upon exiting the premises after the match, Butler needed aid to walk, as shown in a video posted by Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports (Access Video).
During Miami’s 105-104 loss, Butler logged close to 40 minutes and contributed with 19 points, four rebounds, five assists, and five steals, despite converting only 5-of-18 from the field. The Heat will be facing off against Chicago in a critical game on Friday night, with Butler’s involvement uncertain regardless of the MRI outcome.
In response to questions about his knee, Butler remarked, “It gave me the feeling that I was somewhat restricted,” as reported by Ira Winderman of The Sun-Sentinel (Access Tweet).
Chiang elaborates in an elaborate account that Butler crumbled to the ground and clutched his knee in agony towards the conclusion of the first quarter. Following a pump fake by Kelly Oubre that resulted in him landing on Butler, both players went down. Despite being down for a few minutes and limping to Miami’s bench, Butler persevered in the game but continued to hobble and intermittently held his knee.
Despite the upcoming game being held at home, the Heat are confronting a tough situation with Butler expected to be out for an extended period, compounded by the unavailability of Terry Rozier due to neck spasms. The victor of Friday’s match will advance to face the top-seeded Celtics in a series starting Sunday afternoon.
Image Source: Jimmy Butler @ Instagram
