The Miami Heat are in dire need of wins at the moment. The franchise sits just 8th in the Eastern Conference at the moment and has lost each of its last three games. With the Chicago Bulls right on their tail, and a 2023 NBA Finals rematch against the Denver Nuggets on the horizon, the team needs to be at full strength. Of course, that is not possible without the presence of Jimmy Butler.
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Jimmy Butler has missed many games due to injury this season, mostly due to ankle and knee-related ailments. Yet again, his name has come on the Miami Heat’s injury report, as per the official injury report. Fortunately, however, there isn’t too much cause for concern.
Butler has reportedly suffered a head-related injury but has been labeled as ‘probable’ for the Heat’s upcoming game against the Denver Nuggets. As per StatMuse, the Heat star has averaged 24 points per game, while shooting 52.5% from the field in his last five games.
If the team is to break their losing streak, and that too against the reigning champions, Miami will need Butler to not only replicate but go above and beyond that kind of showing. And given that he is the kind of player to hold grudges, ‘Jimmy Buckets’ might take this extra seriously after the Heat lost to the Nuggets in the NBA Finals.
Miami Heat’s outlook on the season
As per NBA.com, the Miami Heat has a record of 35-29 for the season. While this is well below expectations, it is not uncommon for the Miami Heat to underperform during the NBA regular season. In the last few campaigns, the team has been known to take it easy ahead of the playoffs, before they explode against just about every team in the NBA Playoffs. In fact, the team has made it to the Eastern Conference Finals in three out of the last four postseasons.
That said, the franchise would undoubtedly benefit from carrying some momentum with them into the postseason, something that can’t be done unless they get back to winning ways. With the Chicago Bulls hot on their tale in the hunt for the 8th seed, the Heat need to step it up a notch before long. If they fail to do so, it may not be long before they enter the NBA Play-in tournament in a deeply unfavorable position. Or worse yet, fall out of contention to even make the play-in this season.
