The Miami Heat are hoping to close out the Atlanta Hawks in their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night. However, if they’re going to win Game 5, they’ll have to do so without star Jimmy Butler. The team announced that he’ll miss the game due to knee inflammation.
Heat say Jimmy Butler is out for tonight's Game 5 due to right knee inflammation.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 26, 2022
According to ESPN, Butler woke up with soreness in his knee and is considered day-to-day for the time being.
It’s a huge loss for the Heat as they look to put away the pesky Hawks. Butler has dominated the series so far, averaging 30.5 points on 54.3% shooting, 7.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 2.8 steals in four games.
Miami is going to be extremely short-handed on the evening as they’ll also still waiting on the return of Kyle Lowry, who is still dealing with the effects of a left hamstring strain in Game 3.
Jimmy Butler‘s status is such that he could be available if a game is needed Thursday in Atlanta. There also would be a chance for a Kyle Lowry return for such a game. For now, it could be up to the likes of Victor Oladipo, Gabe Vincent and Caleb Martin.
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) April 26, 2022
Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra will certainly have some options to work with as he tweaks the starting lineup. Along with Sixth Man of the Year candidate Tyler Herro, he might also need to rely on sharpshooter Duncan Robinson to step up.
We’ll see if the Heat can seal the deal as the Eastern Conference top seed or if they’ll need to try again in Game 6, hopefully with Butler. In the meantime, the news certainly garnered a lot of reactions from around the NBA world.
trae young, i come to you as humbly as i can https://t.co/Cl6czNYr9Z
— kos (@kostancaaa__) April 26, 2022
We are destined for another late start on Thursday aren't we https://t.co/bSy2fA41tT
— Mason Ginsberg (@MasonGinsberg) April 26, 2022
https://twitter.com/ThomasNassiff/status/1519050433318187008
The Heat went 15-10 this season without Jimmy Butler.
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) April 26, 2022
Jimmy Butler sits out now that Victor Oladipo gets minutes? Next on undisputed…
— Brady Hawk (@BradyHawk305) April 26, 2022
