Report : Butler Likely Out Weeks With Knee Injury

Published April 18, 2024 at 9:43
BY KEVIN BARREAU

The Miami Heat are set to face the Chicago Bulls in Friday's critical elimination game in the Play-In Tournament without their star forward, Jimmy Butler. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Butler is expected to be sidelined for "multiple weeks" following a knee injury he sustained during Wednesday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Charania, drawing on multiple sources, reported that Butler is likely suffering from an MCL injury. Despite the early injury, Butler continued to play for three more quarters. The game ended in a narrow 105-104 loss for the Heat.

''It felt like I couldn't do too much, which sucks with the timing of the game and everything,'' Butler said. ''I hope that I'm fine. I hope that I wake up tomorrow and can still stick-and-move. Right now, I can't stay that's the case.''

In that game, Butler played 40 minutes and managed to score 19 points, though he only made 5 of 18 shots.

Following the game, Butler underwent an MRI on Thursday in Miami to assess the extent of his injury and to clarify his availability for the upcoming game against the Bulls.

"It really stiffened up on in the second half," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "As the second half went on, it started to limit him a little bit more ... We have no idea. We'll see when we get back to Miami."

This injury comes at a critical time as the Heat, who were NBA Finals contenders last year, now face the stark possibility of missing the playoffs entirely. The challenge of Friday's game is significantly magnified without Butler's presence on the court.

''We will do this the hard way,'' Spoelstra said. ''That has to be the path right now. We're going to rest up, treat up, rally around each other up, get ready for Friday. Again, embrace these competitive games. It will be competitive in front of our home fans.''

Source Sports Illustrated : Miami Heat's Jimmy Butler Reportedly Expected To Miss Multiple Weeks With Knee Injury
Source Yahoo Sports : Heat's Jimmy Butler to be out 'multiple weeks' with possible MCL injury, per report

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