Miami Heat's Jimmy Butler Expected Back In Lineup Tonight Vs New Orleans Pelicans

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler set to return after three-game absence

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler is not on the injury report for tonight's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. 

He missed the past three games after the death of a family member. Butler is expected back in the starting lineup. 

Here's  the game preview: 

Game time: 8 pm., ET

Where: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans

TV: Bally Sports Sun

Betting line: Heat +3

VITALS: The Heat and Pelicans meet for the first of two matchups this regular season. Last season, Miami swept the series 2-0 and has swept the last three-straight season series. Miami has also currently won a franchise-record six consecutive games against New Orleans. The Heat are 25-20 all-time versus New Orleans during the regular season, including 17-6 in home games and 8-14 in road games.

PROJECTED STARTERS

HEAT

G Duncan Robinson

G Tyler Herro

C Bam Adebayo

F Caleb Martin

F Jimmy Butler

PELICANS

F Zion Williamson

F Brandon Ingram

C Jonas Valanciunas

G CJ McCollum

G Herb Jones

INJUY REPORT

HEAT

Dru Smith: Out - Right Knee Surgery

Tyler Herro: Questionable - Foot

Terry Rozier: Out - Knee

Josh Richardson: Out - Shoulder

PELICANS

Brandon Ingram: Questionable - Illness

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Shandel Richardson covers the Miami Heat for Inside The Heat, a Fan Nation channel for Sports Illustrated. He has covered the NBA since 2010.

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