The task promises to be difficult for the Miami Heat. Its star Jimmy Butler will not be in uniform to face the Chicago Bulls, on the night of Friday to Saturday (1:00 a.m. French time), in the final match of the NBA play-in. He could also be absent for the start of the playoffs if Miami qualifies. The winger, hero of the Heat’s 2023 playoff campaign, will be forced to watch the game from the bench.
According to information from American journalist Shams Charania, Jimmy Butler is suffering from a knee injury and will have to wait several weeks before returning to action. An absence which comes at the worst time for Erik Spoelstra’s players who will have to do without their leader in this decisive match against the Bulls. On the Chicago side, fullback Alex Caruso is doubtful after an ankle injury, according to NBCS Chicago.
At the end of the first quarter of the play-in match between Miami and Philadelphia, Sixers player Kelly Oubre Jr. fell on Butler’s right knee after being caught in the feint of Heat No. 22. But the winger remained on the field playing 40 minutes. However, the Heat could not resist the Sixers of a great Nicolas Batum (20 points, 5 rebounds) by losing to the wire 105-104. Miami will therefore play its place in the playoffs against the Bulls, to earn the right to challenge the Boston Celtics in the first round.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2024/04/30/3959546-80385628-2560-1440.jpg?fit=300%2C300&ssl=1)