For the Heat to complete a Play-In-Tournament-to-NBA Finals journey for a second year, they'll need the best version of Jimmy Butler.
This year, Butler's role in the journey is off to a rocky start.
Late in the first quarter of Miami's Play-In Tournament loss to Philadelphia, Butler went down in clear pain after a fall to the floor. He did not exit the game but was visibly impacted and hobbled after grabbing at his left leg.
What does this mean for Butler and the Heat? Here's what you need to know about what he is dealing with.
MORE: Live updates, highlights from Heat vs. 76ers Play-In game
What is Jimmy Butler's injury?
Butler has been diagnosed with a right MCL sprain, the Heat announced.
Butler went down after pump-faking and drawing a foul on Kelly Oubre Jr. With Oubre in the air, Butler attempted a layup, fell to the ground and grabbed at his knee after his defender fell on his left leg.
Here's the play where it happened:
Jimmy Butler fell hard and appeared to be in so much pain as he grabbed his knee😳
— BasketballNews.com (@basketbllnews) April 17, 2024
Hope nothing is serious 🙏🏾pic.twitter.com/vkZjsSczf3
After the game, Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said that Butler's knee began to limit him more. Butler was notably inactive during some of Miami's offensive possessions and on the sideline to close the game.
Butler's MRI on Thursday revealed what had been feared — an MCL sprain.
MORE: Expert All-Defensive Team picks from Steph Noh
How long will Jimmy Butler be out?
Butler has been ruled out for the Heat's win-or-go-home Play-In game against the Bulls on Friday with a right MCL sprain.
#CHIvsMIA INJURY UPDATE: Jimmy Butler (right MCL sprain) and Terry Rozier (neck) have both been ruled out of tomorrow night’s play-in game vs the Bulls.
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) April 18, 2024
Even if Miami were to claim the No. 8 seed, the expectation is that Butler will miss "multiple weeks" because of the injury, per the Athletic's Shams Charania.
Butler did not exit the game with his injury but was limited by it. In 40 minutes of action, he finished with 19 points (on 5-of-18 shooting), four rebounds, five assists and five steals.
MORE: Why Jimmy Butler left the Sixers for Miami in free agency
Heat schedule
After losing in the 7-vs-8 game, Miami will return home to face the winner of the 9-vs-10 game between Chicago and Atlanta.
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| Friday, April 19 | vs. Bulls/Hawks | TBD | TBD |
Fans in the U.S. can watch the NBA postseason action on Sling TV. Sling is the home for avid sports fans offering a range of sports channels so you can always cheer for your favorite teams with channels like ESPN, TBS, TNT, NFL Network, FS1, and more.
