An NBA insider has revealed a huge update on Jimmy Butler’s status for Game 2 of the Miami Heat versus the New York Knicks, and it is positive news for Miami fans.
Jimmy Butler’s availability for Tuesday’s Heat vs. Knicks game has been one of the biggest stories for both teams since Sunday. After falling behind by double digits in the first half, Miami was able to pull off a big 108-101 victory over New York this weekend. What is all the more impressive is they were able to do it despite Jimmy Butler having an obvious ankle injury that he suffered in the closing minutes.
While Miami was able to get the win in Game 1, they need their incumbent superstar healthy if they are to advance passed a New York squad that was red-hot coming into the series. Specifics of Jimmy Butler’s injury haven’t been made clear, but the assumption is a sprained ankle after he rolled it following a defended shot by Knicks guard Josh Hart.
Jimmy Butler stats (’22-’23): 22.9 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 5.3 APG, 4.2 SPG, 32% 3PT
On Monday, Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra suggested Jimmy Butler’s status for their game tonight may not be decided until right before the game. However, a new report claims the six-time All-Star is hellbent on playing Tuesday.
Earlier today during an appearance on Fan Duel TV, NBA insider Shams Charania gave an update on the situation and explained that the injury is not as bad as originally thought.
“I’m told Jimmy Butler wants to play. I think he’s going to try to play as today goes on. The one good thing, that I’ve learned in the last 24 hours, is the ankle [injury] isn’t as serious as we all saw. It was a gruesome-looking injury.”
– Shams Charania
Obviously, the Miami Heat proved over the weekend that they have the talent to grind out a win over the New York Knicks. However, the Knicks were without All-Star Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson had a rough fourth quarter in Game 1.
A win in Game 2 is far more possible with Jimmy Butler than without.