It’s uncertain if Jimmy Butler will return for the remainder of the season, regardless of the Miami Heat’s outcome in their crucial play-in game against the Chicago Bulls. Instead of relying on Butler’s leadership, the Heat will rely on a unified team effort as they face the Bulls on Friday night, April 19 (Saturday, April 20, Manila time) in a must-win match.
Butler will be sidelined due to a sprained MCL in his right knee sustained during Wednesday’s 105-104 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. Following an MRI exam on Thursday, April 18, the extent of Butler’s injury was revealed. Whether or not the Heat advance past Chicago, there’s a possibility that Butler has played his final game of the 2023-2024 season.
Reflecting on his injury after the Philadelphia game, Butler remarked, “It felt like I couldn’t do too much, which sucks with the timing of the game and everything. I hope that I’m fine… Right now, I can’t say that’s the case.”
The victor of the Miami-Chicago matchup progresses to face the top-seeded Boston Celtics in the opening round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Butler sustained his injury during the first quarter of Wednesday’s game but remained on the court, finishing with 19 points on a 5-of-18 shooting performance. His limited effectiveness was evident, particularly in the second half, where he attempted only two shots, converting just one.
Expressing his frustration, Butler admitted, “I wasn’t able to do anything on either side of the ball. I think I hurt us more than I helped us, actually.”
Miami will also require improved performances from Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo against the Bulls. Herro tallied 25 points against Philadelphia but struggled with his shooting, making just 9-of-27 attempts, while Adebayo managed 10 points alongside 12 rebounds.
Last season’s loss to the 76ers places Miami in a familiar position, reminiscent of their previous play-in game against Atlanta. Despite the setback, Miami rallied to defeat Chicago 102-91 in the subsequent contest, securing a playoff berth. Notably, Miami staged a remarkable 15-1 run to overcome the Bulls last season.
Recalling the disappointment of last season, Chicago guard DeMar DeRozan emphasized the team’s determination to avoid a similar outcome, stating, “That feeling sucked…to not have that same feeling.”
Chicago earned their trip to South Florida following a 131-116 triumph over the Atlanta Hawks, with Coby White leading the charge with a career-best 42 points.
White, fueled by last season’s defeat, anticipates a fiercely contested matchup against Miami, acknowledging the familiarity between the two teams.
The Bulls’ readiness for the challenge is underscored by guard Alex Caruso, despite injury concerns surrounding him and teammates Andre Drummond and Ayo Dosunmu.
Miami’s guard Terry Rozier has been ruled out of Friday’s game due to a neck injury, marking his sixth consecutive absence.
