Jimmy Butler, a top player for the Miami Heat, injured his right MCL on Wednesday against the Philadelphia 76ers. According to insiders, he will be out for a few weeks. This information was provided to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
In Philadelphia, on the very last play of the first quarter, Butler sustained an injury. After Miami had a 12-point lead at the half, their offense fizzled out, allowing Philadelphia to rally from behind and win 105-104. He finished the game with a total of 12 points on 3-for-14 shooting.
On Friday night, the Heat will play the Bulls. The winner will receive the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference and will face the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs.
Jimmy Butler’s statement following injury
Butler attempted to trick out Kelly Oubre Jr. of Philadelphia to attempt a layup after leaking out for a possible fast-break layup in the first quarter. However, after it looked like Oubre fell on it, Butler’s knee buckled, sending him to the floor in agony.
Following the game, Butler announced that he would get an MRI on Thursday,
“I hope that I wake up tomorrow and can still stick-and-move. Right now, I can’t say that’s the case.”
Former Bull and Sixer Butler led the Heat in scoring this season with 20.8 points in 60 games. The six-time All-Star stated he decided to play through his customary degree of discomfort, believing that his “adrenaline would kick back in” and allow him to perform at his peak.
With shooting guard Duncan Robinson dealing with a back injury and point guard Terry Rozier sidelined due to a neck strain, Miami’s injury problems are only getting worse without Butler. Although Robinson was cleared to play on Wednesday, he did not show up for the match.
