Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler has been sidelined for the last three games due to an ankle injury, but the team has delivered some positive news ahead of Sunday’s game against the Indiana Pacers. Butler, who sustained the injury on November 8, has missed every game since, but has now been upgraded to “questionable” for the upcoming matchup, according to the Heat’s official social media account.
So far this season, Butler has averaged 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game, shooting 47.8% from the field and 15.4% from beyond the arc. Following Miami’s bounce-back victory over the Pacers on Friday, Butler is eager to provide a boost and help the team finish their six-game road trip on a high note before returning home on Monday.
Jimmy Butler Poised to Make Impact
Despite limited updates on his condition since the injury, Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra has consistently emphasized that Butler, 34, has been diligently progressing in his rehab.
“I don’t have an update,” Spoelstra said before Friday’s game, according to Anthony Chiang of *The Miami Herald*. “But he’s putting in a lot of work. That part, his head coach likes to see.”
Butler remains a crucial presence for the Heat both offensively and defensively. However, his availability has been a concern, as he has not played more than 64 games in a season since joining Miami in 2017. This has influenced the hesitation of Heat president Pat Riley in committing to a contract extension, despite the team’s success, including two NBA Finals appearances with their core.
While Butler is on track to return Friday against the Pacers, any setbacks could push his comeback to Monday’s home game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Currently, the Heat stand at 5-6, holding the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference.
