Miami’s All-Star swingman was forced out of the lineup for a key In-Season Tournament game vs Milwaukee.
Miami Heat’s standout player, Jimmy Butler, faced an unexpected setback as he was unable to participate in the crucial In-Season Tournament showdown against Milwaukee due to a sprained right ankle.
Butler was absent from Miami’s recent game, a 112-97 loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday. Additionally, he missed two other games this season (on Oct. 28 in Minnesota and on Nov. 11 in Atlanta).
Milwaukee and Miami are among the 16 teams competing for spots in the Knockout Round of the In-Season Tournament. To put it simply, if Milwaukee wins tonight, they secure East Group B. Meanwhile, Miami can clinch the Group by winning, and if the New York Knicks also lose. However, the Bucks or Heat might also secure the Group or a wild card spot through various other tiebreakers.
In 14 games for Miami this season, Butler has maintained an average of 20.7 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists while shooting 46.2% overall, including 41.5% on 3-pointers. The Heat, with a record of 10-7, currently hold the fifth spot in the Eastern Conference, trailing the third-seeded Bucks (12-5) by two games.
