When an MRI showed that Jimmy Butler had a sprained MCL in his right knee during Miami’s loss to the Philadelphia 76ers in the Play-In Tournament last Wednesday, initial reports suggested that the six-time All-Star would be out for several weeks.
Considering this timeline, it was widely expected that Butler wouldn’t be able to play in Miami’s first-round series against the Boston Celtics. According to NBA insider Shams Charania, this expectation seems to have been confirmed.
“It’s crazy to me that Jimmy Butler played three quarters [vs. The Sixers], with what I’m hearing now, was a severe MCL sprain. He is not going to be back in this series. This is a rehab that’s going to go at least one month; could be two months of rehab,” Charania said on FanDuel’s “Run It Back” TV.
“Thankfully for him, it wasn’t the ACL, it wasn’t the meniscus, but even if the Heat were to advance in this first round somehow, his postseason availability would be up in the air.”
While Butler’s injury poses a significant setback for Miami, the team is also grappling with other health issues. Terry Rozier has been out for the past seven games due to neck spasms, and Josh Richardson underwent season-ending shoulder surgery in early March. Coach Erik Spoelstra has labeled Rozier as “day-to-day” ahead of Game 1 on Sunday.
Game 2 is set for Wednesday night at TD Garden. Tip-off is set for 7 o’clock.
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