Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Miami Heat could be getting Jimmy Butler back ahead of Game 4 vs. the Boston Celtics.
After losing Jimmy Butler early in Game 3 vs. the Boston Celtics, the Miami Heat would rally around Bam Adebayo to take the pivotal contest in the 2022 Eastern Conference Finals.
Butler was limited to only 19 minutes and change due to knee inflammation. Boston may have outscored Miami in the second half, but the Heat’s strong first quarter was enough to hold off the Celtics’ comeback attempt. Miami took Game 3 up in Boston, 109-103. Even if Celtics star Jaylen Brown was frustrated by the officials, Game 4 could be even harder if Butler is able to play in it.
Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reported late Saturday night that Butler’s injured knee “is not considered serious”. There is a very strong possibility he will suit up for the Heat in Game 4 on Monday night.
Miami Heat get great news on the Jimmy Butler injury front ahead of Game 4
While Game 4 will be one of great desperation for the hometown Celtics, Miami could be getting back its best and most important player. Though it is more important to win the war and not just the battle, having the emotional leader of this team doing everything in his power to try to play through this knee injury could galvanize his teammates. They did eke out a road win in Game 3.
This best-of-seven series is guaranteed to go five, will probably get to six and may come down to a win-or-go-home scenario in Game 7, which would be on Miami’s home floor, of course. Regardless of how much Butler may play on Monday, all Miami has to do is win its two remaining home games in this series to advance. This could result in Butler playing very little in Game 4.
Ultimately, Miami is not advancing to the NBA Finals or hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy at season’s end if Butler is not able to play at close to his apex. Boston sure is feisty. The Dallas Mavericks have the most talented player left in the postseason in Luka Doncic. And let’s not forget the Golden State Warriors’ big three have already won three NBA Finals in their illustrious careers.
This may be a day-to-day sort of injury for Butler, but expect for the Heat to be cautious with it.