Jan 9, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) guards Washington Wizards center Robin Lopez (15) during the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler reportedly has been cleared from health and safety protocols, and guard Avery Bradley is poised to return to game action when the team returns home on Wednesday.
Butler can resume practicing, the South Florida Sun Sentinel reported. Bradley, who is two days ahead of Butler in the COVID-19 protocols, said he’s hopeful to play Wednesday night against the Denver Nuggets in Miami.
Both players have been sidelined since Jan. 9.
Read More: NBA games today: Complete TV schedule, upcoming Week 5 matchups
Bradley confirmed he tested positive for the virus, telling a Yahoo Sports podcast that he’s feeling better.
“The first few days were a little rough for me,” Bradley said on the Yahoo podcast, “but I started feeling a lot better. The taste and smell, thank God, I never had an issue with that. But I’m feeling a lot better.”
Butler has played in just six games between injury and being away due to health and safety protocols. It’s not clear how long Butler will need for conditioning work before returning to game action.
Related: If you’re a fan of the Heat, check out #HEATTwitter rumors, rankings, and news here.
Butler is averaging 15.8 points per game and 5.5 rebounds. Bradley, who’s played in just seven games, is averaging 10.0 points per game in his first season with the Heat.
The Heat close out a four-game road trip Monday at Brooklyn. The Heat have had just one game postponed due to contact tracing and pandemic protocols.
–Field Level Media