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Offseason | NBA Week 26

Heat G Jimmy Butler set for MRI on ailing knee

Thu Apr 18 1:48am ET
Field Level Media

Miami guard Jimmy Butler hurt his right knee on Wednesday in the Heat's defeat against the Philadelphia 76ers, leaving his availability for the Friday play-in finale against the Chicago Bulls in doubt.

ESPN and The Athletic reported that Butler might have injured his medial collateral ligament.

Butler acknowledged after Miami's 105-104 loss that he was headed for an MRI exam. He was injured when Philadelphia's Kelly Oubre Jr. fell on him with 1.5 seconds to play in the first quarter.

"I fell, he landed and my knee just didn't do well, I guess," Butler said. "I don't know. It's not a good feeling, I can tell you that."


Butler got up from the collision and made 1 of 2 foul shots, giving him seven points on 2-of-4 shooting in the opening period. He stayed in the game but finished 5-for-18 from the floor, scoring 19 points in 40 minutes.

"It felt like I couldn't do too much, which sucks with the timing of the game and everything," Butler said. "I hope that I'm fine. I hope that I wake up (Thursday) and can still stick and move. Right now, I can't say that's the case."

After the loss at Philadelphia, the Heat head home to oppose the Bulls -- one of Butler's former teams. The winner of the latter contest will earn the Eastern Conference's No. 8 seed and a date with the top-seeded Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs.

Butler, 34, averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists over 60 games in the just-concluded regular season. The six-time All-Star has career averages of 18.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists with the Bulls (2011-12 to 2016-17), the Minnesota Timberwolves (2017-18 to 2018-19), the 76ers (2018-19) and the Heat (2019-20 to present).

Player Notes
Donovan Mitchell Wed Apr 17 11:00pm

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (knee) stated he's "100 percent" heading toward the postseason. The multi-time All-Star has battled a knee injury, limiting him to 10 games since March 1. Fortunately, Mitchell reported he received platelet-rich plasma injections while being closely monitored by the team's medical staff, so he'll be ready to go. The Cavs begin the postseason series with the Magic on Saturday. While DFS managers will continue to be apprehensive about Mitchell's health, it appears the knee issue is behind him, at least for now.

Tyler Herro Wed Apr 17 10:20pm

Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro scored a game-high 25 points in Wednesday's loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. He added nine assists and two boards. With Terry Rozier (neck) unavailable, Herro was the team's primary ball handler. While he benefitted from a usage standpoint, he had five turnovers. Even worse, he didn't shoot the ball well, going 9-for-27 from the field and 4-for-14 from deep. It's anyone's guess how much longer Herro will be forced to operate at the one spot. But if Rozier isn't back on the floor for Friday's Play-In game between Chicago or Atlanta, Herro could continue to see an uptick in production. His ceiling could rise even higher if Jimmy Butler (knee) is limited after suffering an injury on Wednesday.

Jimmy Butler Wed Apr 17 10:10pm

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler had 19 points in Wednesday's Play-In loss to the 76ers. The veteran played well in this one, especially on the defensive end, ending the night with five steals. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough, with Miami getting one more chance to advance into the playoffs. With that said, Butler took a hard fall in this one and was down on the court holding his right knee, so he'll likely appear on the injury report heading into Friday's matchup. However, barring a setback, he should be out there, although the ailment could limit his productivity.

Joel Embiid Wed Apr 17 10:10pm

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) finished with 23 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists in Wednesday's Play-In win over the Heat. The reigning MVP carried a questionable tag heading into this one due to his infamous knee injury. But after practicing the last two days, he was available. Not only that, he logged 38 minutes. Without question, Embiid looked tired at times and also was observed grabbing his knee. However, it was a respectable showing for a guy who is nowhere near fully healthy. Fortunately, the Sixers will get a few days off before meeting the Knicks on Saturday to begin their series. Embiid will likely make another appearance on the injury report, although he should be good to go, barring a setback.

Duncan Robinson Wed Apr 17 7:10pm

Miami Heat guard Duncan Robinson (facet) will be active ahead of Wednesday's play-in game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Robinson will make his return to the rotation after missing each of the last four games. The Heat have said that Robinson won't have a minutes limit during this game. There was some questioning whether he'd replace Caleb Martin in the starting five. That won't be the case as Robinson will come off the bench during Wednesday's contest.

Joel Embiid Wed Apr 17 7:10pm

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) will suit up for Wednesday's play-in game against the Miami Heat. The big man was questionable coming into this game due to a left knee issue. However, it was hard to believe that Embiid was going to sit out a game of this importance. He will suit up and figures to have his normal workload on Wednesday. DFS players can feel safe using Embiid in this one.

Jontay Porter Wed Apr 17 3:40pm

The NBA announced on Wednesday that forward Jontay Porter, a two-way player recently under contract with the Toronto Raptors, has been banned from the league.A league investigation found that Porter violated league rules by disclosing confidential information to sports bettors, limiting his own participation in one or more games for betting purposes, and betting on NBA games. The 24-year-old big man appeared in 26 games (five starts) for the Raptors during the 2023-24 season, posting 4.4 points while shooting 38.5% from the field, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 13.8 minutes per contest as a depth piece in Toronto's injury-depleted frontcourt. Porter's case is one the Association hasn't witnessed in many years, but his lifetime ban will have no impact whatsoever on the fantasy basketball landscape entering the 2024-25 campaign.

Ayo Dosunmu Wed Apr 17 3:40pm

Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu (quadriceps) got shots up during the morning shootaround ahead of Wednesday's play-in game versus the Atlanta Hawks. Dosunmu sat out Chicago's final four contests of the regular season due to a right quadriceps contusion, but he's trending in the right direction to return on Wednesday. The 24-year-old sharpshooter stepped up in the Bulls' backcourt when healthy down the stretch to help mitigate the never-ending void of Lonzo Ball (knee), averaging 19.7 points, 4.6 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2.2 three-pointers on 47.1% shooting from downtown over his last 11 appearances of the 2023-24 season. Dosunmu would be a very popular DFS play in Wednesday's two-game contests if he's available against Atlanta, who allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing shooting guards during the regular season.

Zion Williamson Wed Apr 17 3:30pm

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (hamstring), who has been ruled out for Friday's play-in game against the Sacramento Kings, will be re-evaluated in two weeks. It's a huge blow to New Orleans' chances of clinching a playoff berth, as Williamson exited Tuesday's loss to the visiting Los Angeles Lakers due to a strained left hamstring. Unless the Pelicans are able to go on an unlikely deep postseason run, Williamson's season may very well be over. The 23-year-old slashing superstar played in a career-high 70 games during the regular season, collecting 22.9 points on 57.0% shooting from the floor, 5.8 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.1 steals in 31.5 minutes per contest. Marksman Trey Murphy III is the most likely candidate to join the starting lineup on Friday against the Kings, averaging 17.9 points, 5.4 boards, 2.6 dimes, 1.0 swipes, and 3.5 three-pointers in seven games without Williamson this year.

Chris Paul Wed Apr 17 10:40am

Golden State Warriors point guard Chris Paul is expected to remain with the team next season by head coach Steve Kerr. "I really hope we bring him back next year," Kerr said following Tuesday's 118-94 loss in the play-in tournament against Sacramento, which ended Golden State's season. It also ended Paul's run of 13 consecutive playoff appearances. The veteran, who will turn 39 next month, found himself as a bench piece for the first time in his career in 2023-24 and finished with career-low numbers in multiple areas. He had 9.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 1.2 steals across 26.4 minutes. Paul has a non-guaranteed $30 million contract for 2024-25.

Klay Thompson Wed Apr 17 10:20am

Golden State Warriors guard/forward Klay Thompson had a shocking performance in Tuesday's play-in loss to Sacramento and is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer, but the team wants to have him back in the lineup next season. Thompson went 0-for-10 from the field across 32 minutes in Tuesday's blowout loss. However, the Warriors, including head coach Steve Kerr, are desperate to see him return. "We need Klay back," Kerr said after the game. "He's still got good years left. And I know I speak for everybody in the organization: We want him back. ... What Klay has meant to this franchise and as good as he still is, we desperately want him back." Thompson had a very inconsistent campaign in 2023-24, even finding himself in a bench role at times for the first time since his rookie season in 2011-12. His scoring average of 17.9 points per game was his lowest since his sophomore year.

Malik Monk Wed Apr 17 10:10am

Sacramento Kings guard/forward Malik Monk (knee) is unsure if he can recover in time to play in the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs. He missed his 10th consecutive game on Tuesday against Golden State while nursing an MCL sprain. Monk was initially ruled out for 4-6 weeks, meaning a return to the court in the first round appears unrealistic if Sacramento makes it to the playoffs. With Kevin Huerter (shoulder) also unavailable, Keon Ellis has stepped up big time for the Kings. He produced an outstanding two-way performance against the Warriors on Tuesday and will be expected to keep up the form in Friday's decisive play-in matchup against New Orleans. Davion Mitchell has also started to play a much more important role in the rotation due to the injuries.

Onuralp Bitim Wed Apr 17 10:00am

Chicago Bulls shooting guard Onuralp Bitim (eye) has been ruled out for the postseason. The 25-year-old rookie has been diagnosed with a detached retina in his right eye and will need season-ending surgery. Bitim saw action in 23 games during his first NBA season, averaging 3.5 points and 1.4 rebounds in 11.7 minutes. He joins four other players who have been ruled out for the season, meaning Chicago's bench will be very shallow in the playoffs if the team finds a way to sneak through the play-in tournament, which starts for the team on Wednesday with a matchup against Atlanta.

Kevin Love Wed Apr 17 9:50am

Miami Heat forward/center Kevin Love (arm, ankle) has been cleared to play in Wednesday's play-in battle against Philadelphia. He suffered an arm contusion in the regular-season finale against Toronto on Sunday, logging just three minutes. However, the veteran has shaken off the injury ahead of a crucial part of the campaign. Love is set to provide cover for starting center Bam Adebayo in a tough matchup against Joel Embiid. The veteran has shown in 2023-24 that there's still some juice left in him, averaging 8.8 points and 6.1 rebounds in 16.8 minutes.

Duncan Robinson Wed Apr 17 9:40am

Miami Heat guard/forward Duncan Robinson (back) has been listed as probable for Wednesday's play-in game against Philadelphia. He missed the final four games of the regular season but appears to be on track for a comeback against the 76ers. Robinson also missed time at the end of March with a back problem and didn't look quite like himself after returning. The 29-year-old averaged just 4.5 points across four games. Miami will need a lot more from him on Wednesday if the Heat are to compete with Joel Embiid's crew.

Terry Rozier Tue Apr 16 11:50pm

Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (neck) won't suit up for Wednesday's Play-In contest versus the Philadelphia 76ers. The former Hornet has played well since arriving in Miami, so his absence is undoubtedly a tough blow. He's already missed four games because of the ailment. However, his status moving ahead remains a mystery. With that said, until Rozier is back on the floor, Tyler Herro will likely continue to hold things down at the one spot, meaning he should see a bump in usage. In addition, Delon Wright, averaging 8.3 points, 3.7 assists, and 2.0 steals in the last three games, should be on every DFS manager's radar.

De'Anthony Melton Tue Apr 16 11:50pm

Philadelphia 76ers guard De'Anthony Melton (back) is ruled out for Wednesday's Play-In game versus the Miami Heat. The 25-year-old has been bothered by a back issue for most of the season. He recently appeared in two games before missing Sunday's regular-season finale against the Nets. However, Melton played just 21 minutes combined in those two contests. Unfortunately, things don't look promising regarding his prognosis moving ahead, so he may miss more games. With that said, Cameron Payne, amassing 10 points, three assists, and one steal in 23 minutes on Sunday, has value potential for DFS managers.

Joel Embiid Tue Apr 16 11:40pm

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) is questionable for Wednesday's Play-In meeting with the Miami Heat. The reigning MVP reaggravated his left knee injury during Friday's win over Orlando and didn't suit up for Sunday's regular-season finale versus the Brooklyn Nets. Mo Bamba got the start in that one, although Paul Reed was more productive, amassing a 13-point, 12 rebound double-double with two steals and two blocks. Embiid has practiced in the last few days, which is a good sign. However, DFS managers will anxiously await another update on his availability for the pivotal contest.

Zion Williamson Tue Apr 16 11:20pm

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (leg) scored a game-high 40 points off 17-for-27 shooting in Tuesday's Play-In loss to the Lakers. He added 11 rebounds, five assists, one block, and one steal. Williamson had a fantastic showing. Unfortunately, he suffered a leg injury late in the contest and didn't return. Although details were scarce initially, head coach Willie Green labeled Williamson's injury as "left leg soreness" while revealing he will undergo imaging on Wednesday. At any rate, Williamson has battled countless injuries throughout his career, so this situation is concerning. But if the 2019 No. 1 overall pick can't suit up for the Pelicans' next Play-In contest versus Golden State or Sacramento, Larry Nance Jr. would presumably fill the void in the lineup.

Zion Williamson Tue Apr 16 10:10pm

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (undisclosed) exited Tuesday's Play-In matchup with the Lakers. The Pelicans were down big. However, the team managed to get back in it, with Williamson knotting things at up 95 by making a basket in the paint. Unfortunately, he came down and immediately grimaced with pain before heading to the locker room. Williamson likely injured his leg, although there aren't any details at the moment. But if he doesn't return to this one, he'll finish with 40 points, 11 boards, and five assists.