Miami Heat standout Jimmy Butler is anticipated to be out of action for an extended period due to a right MCL injury sustained during Wednesday’s defeat against the Philadelphia 76ers, sources informed ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Butler suffered the injury during the final play of the opening quarter in Philadelphia. Despite staying in the game, he struggled to make an impact, managing only 12 points for the remainder of the match on 3-of-14 shooting. Miami’s offense faltered after halftime, allowing Philadelphia to rally for a 105-104 win, erasing a 12-point halftime deficit.
The Heat are set to face the Chicago Bulls on Friday evening, with the victor clinching the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference and a first-round playoff matchup against the Boston Celtics.
Ahead of the Bulls game, the Heat officially ruled out Butler and point guard Terry Rozier, who is nursing a strained neck.
During the first quarter, Butler attempted to deceive Philadelphia’s Kelly Oubre Jr. for a layup, but his knee buckled after Oubre appeared to land on it, causing Butler to crumple to the floor in pain.
Butler mentioned post-game that he would undergo an MRI on Thursday, expressing hope that he would recover swiftly. However, he admitted uncertainty about his immediate future.
The seasoned campaigner averaged 20.8 points in 60 games for the Heat this season. Despite his injury, Butler remained in Wednesday’s game, believing the adrenaline rush would enable him to perform at his usual level.
In addition to Butler and Rozier’s injuries, Heat shooting guard Duncan Robinson has been dealing with a back issue. Although cleared to play on Wednesday, he did not make an appearance.
