Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler could be facing an indefinite time off the court following a suspected MCL injury incurred during Wednesday’s play-in tournament loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that Butler is scheduled for an MRI on Thursday to ascertain the extent of his injury.
This incident places his participation in doubt for the critical upcoming Friday game against the Chicago Bulls and possibly further playoff games.
Butler endured a fall while attempting a layup in the first quarter of the 105-104 defeat, which left him visibly in pain. Despite the mishap, he managed to play 40 minutes and scored 19 points. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra noted that Butler’s knee increasingly affected his performance as the game progressed. Butler himself expressed limitations after the game, highlighting the discomfort that restricted his play.
Seen limping significantly post-game, Butler’s immediate future with the team as they prepare to face the Bulls in a decisive play-in game is uncertain. The Heat aim to secure the final Eastern Conference playoff spot, which would pit them against the Boston Celtics in the first round. Butler’s potential absence could significantly impact Miami’s playoff aspirations.
Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler is feared to have an MCL injury in his knee, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. The injury could sideline Butler for an indefinite period. MRI to come. pic.twitter.com/jD8n1WkkBT— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 18, 2024Jimmy Butler fell hard and appeared to be in so much pain as he grabbed his knee😳
— BasketballNews.com (@basketbllnews) April 17, 2024
Hope nothing is serious 🙏🏾pic.twitter.com/vkZjsSczf3
Jimmy Butler walking with a slight limp as he heads back to the locker room as the Heat fall to the Sixers in the Play-In Tournament 🙏pic.twitter.com/mPkpDyv6kl
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 18, 2024
Jimmy Butler limped out of Wells Fargo Center after the Heat's play-in loss.
— Ball Don’t Lie (@Balldontlie) April 18, 2024
(via @JakeLFischer) pic.twitter.com/xrb78IHM4d