Jimmy Butler downgraded to out for Sunday road game vs. Pacers, but his return appears to be near
Heat forward Jimmy Butler’s return from a sprained right ankle will need to wait at least another day.
After upgrading Butler to questionable for Sunday’s matchup against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Heat on Sunday morning downgraded Butler to out for the game.
The expectation is that Butler will make his return on Monday night at home against the Philadelphia 76ers, but there’s no guarantee of that.
Giving Butler another day to rest the ankle was viewed as the prudent approach, as opposed to having him play a back-to-back set.
Sunday’s game will be the fourth consecutive game that Butler misses due to the ankle injury, which was sustained Nov. 8 in Denver.
The Heat has posted a 2-1 record during the first three games that Butler has missed this season.
Sunday’s 5 p.m. game at Indiana will mark the end of a six-game, 12-day road trip for the Heat. Miami has gone 2-3 on the trip and stands at 5-6 overall.
After playing the 76ers on Monday, Miami has an extended break before playing host to the Dallas Mavericks on Nov. 24.
This story was originally published November 17, 2024 at 12:24 PM.
