For the Heat to complete a Play-In-Tournament-to-NBA Finals journey for a second year, they’ll need the best version of Jimmy Butler. This year, Butler’s role in the journey is off to a bit of a rocky start.
Late in the first quarter of Miami’s Play-In Tournament game against Philadelphia, Butler went down in clear pain after a fall to the floor. He did not exit the game but was visibly impacted and hobbled after grabbing at his left leg.
What does this mean for Butler and the Heat? Here’s what you need to know about what he is dealing with.
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Butler went down after pump-faking and drawing a foul on Kelly Oubre Jr. With Oubre in the air, Butler attempted a layup, fell to the ground, and grabbed at his knee after his defender fell on his left leg.
Here’s the play where it happened.
In between quarters, Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra was asked about Butler’s injury and status moving forward.
“I don’t know [what it is]. He wants to keep on going,” Spoelstra told ESPN before adding “We’ll be responsible.”
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Butler did not exit the game with his injury but was visibly hobbled by it.
Check back for updates on his status for the remainder of the Play-In Tournament Game and beyond.
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Miami’s next game depends on the outcome of Wednesday’s 7-vs-8 game against Philadelphia.
If the Heat win on Wednesday, they will travel to New York to face the Knicks in Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs on Saturday, April 20. If the Heat lose, they will return home to host the winner of the 9-vs-10 game between the Bulls and Hawks.
Fans in the U.S. can watch the NBA postseason action on Sling TV. Sling is the home for avid sports fans offering a range of sports channels so you can always cheer for your favorite teams with channels like ESPN, TBS, TNT, NFL Network, FS1, and more.