"Right now that's not the case" - Jimmy Butler says he can't "stick and move" ahead of crucial MRI for his knee
The Miami Heat are considered competitive underdogs and they have their ring leader Jimmy Butler leading the team to two NBA Finals appearances as a low-seeded team. Now, having once again found themselves in familiar territory, they are anticipated to give a tough challenge to the top NBA teams. However, their momentum was abruptly halted when injury struck the six-time NBA All-Star during the clash between the Miami Heat and the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday.
In the final seconds of the first quarter, Butler got a long pass from Kevin Love, which caused him to draw a pump fake on opponent Kelly Oubre Jr. But as the Sixers forward jumped on the fake, he landed on the Heat star's right leg.
"I hope that I'm fine. I hope that I wake up tomorrow and can still stick-and-move. Right now, I can't say that's the case," said Butler to the Miami Herald.
Even so, Butler managed to finish the game logging in almost 40 minutes of playing time to contribute 19 points, five assists, four rebounds and five steals. The injury seemed to have affected his shooting percentage, as he only made 5-of-18 shots from the field.
The Miami Heat lost to the Philadelphia 76ers by just one point and will now have to battle to stay alive for the last playoff spot in the NBA Eastern Conference. They will be facing the Chicago Bulls fresh from their win against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, April 19.
Still hoping to fight for his team, Butler prays for a miracle that would let him suit up on a do-or-die game as he takes a crucial MRI to determine his fate.
Jimmy Butler is expected to be out against the Chicago Bulls
According to Shams Charania of the Athletic, the former Marquette Golden Eagle, Jimmy Butler is expected to miss quite some time with his current injury.
"The expectation is Miami's Jimmy Butler will be out multiple weeks, sources said. Butler remarkably played the final three quarters vs. 76ers last night with what is now feared to be an MCL injury," Charania reports.
As of now, there is no information available regarding who will fill Jimmy Butler's position in the upcoming game against the Chicago Bulls. Both rookie Jamie Jaquez Jr. and Duncan Robinson will need to rise to the occasion. Additionally, Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo are anticipated to take on greater responsibilities as the Heat strive to prolong their playoff journey.