Jimmy Butler Expected to Miss 'Multiple Weeks' With MCL Injury, per Report

Mike McDaniel | Apr 18, 2024

Apr 17, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) reacts after a / Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler, who played through an MCL injury that he suffered on Wednesday night in a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA's play-in tournament, is expected to miss multiple weeks with the injury, according to a report from Shams Charania of The Athletic.

The Heat confirmed later Thursday that Butler sustained a right MCL sprain and won't play Friday in the NBA play-in tournament game against the Chicago Bulls.

Butler injured his knee early in the game, but played the final three quarters through the pain as the Heat looked to clinch the No. 7 seed in the East. Miami ultimately lost to Philadelphia, setting up a must-win game on Friday night against the Bulls.

Butler averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game this season on 49.9% shooting from the floor and 41.4% shooting from beyond the arc. It was Butler's best three-point shooting percentage in his 13-year career.

Friday night's elimination game for the East's No. 8 seed will feature versions of both clubs that won't be at full strength.

Bulls star guard and standout defender Alex Caruso suffered a "significant" ankle sprain in Wednesday's win over the Atlanta Hawks, and Chicago is reportedly bracing for him to miss Friday's contest.

The winner of Friday's game between the Heat and the Bulls will face the Boston Celtics in the first round of the East playoffs, which are set to begin on Sunday at TD Garden.