It appeared that Jimmy Butler left Friday’s game early because of a sprained ankle, but the Miami Heat later said his exit was due to an illness. Now his question for Saturday night’s game against the Orlando Magic is in question.
Butler appeared to turn his ankle midway through the first quarter of Friday night’s loss after battling Oklahoma City Thunder forward Lu Dort for a loose ball. Dort came up with the steal and threw down a dunk on the other end, and Butler came away hobbling. The Heat immediately called a timeout and Butler walked straight to the locker room with team trainers with 4:41 to go in the first quarter.
After Jimmy Butler exited Friday night's loss with what appeared to be an ankle sprain, the Heat later announced it was due to an illness.
Minutes later, the Heat ruled out Butler for the remainder of the game, but because of an illness. Sources told NBA insider Chris Haynes that Butler was dealing with a stomach bug.
Coach Erik Spoelstra said the Heat were aware of Butler’s illness before the game but did not consider pulling him from the starting lineup.
“If guys say they can go, we’re going right now,” Spoelstra said.
Butler appeared limited from the start of the game. He did not put up a shot in 7:19 of playing time and registered zero points and two assists despite playing with a rest advantage. Butler posted a triple-double in Monday’s loss to the Detroit Pistons, while the Thunder were playing on the second night of a back-to-back.
Butler did not travel with the team to Orlando but could join them before Saturday night's game.
After winning four straight games from Dec. 4-12, the Heat are at risk of losing three in a row for the second time this season after losses to the Pistons and Thunder this week.
The Heat are 2-5 in games Butler has missed or exited early this season.