The NBA Cup action is back right after the Thanksgiving break. The fans have a lot of games to catch up. Here, we are going to talk about one of the East Group B clashes. It’s an almost evenly poised battle between the Miami Heat and Toronto Raptors. The Florida side, despite having a stronger roster than the Raptors, will have some trouble dealing with the Up North team. It’s because of Jimmy Butler’s uncertain availability.

The veteran forward stepped into this season with a burning ambition to prove everyone wrong. With only a season left in his contract, the team hasn’t extended his stay yet. Moreover, speaking at the Media Day, Jimmy Buckets said, “I’ve got to prove that I am a major part of winning, and rightfully so. I’ve done it before. This is no different. … That will take care of itself.” The main reason behind the management’s hesitancy is the number of games that Butler missed due to injuries in the last few seasons.

While Jimmy Butler has already missed 4-straight games this season with an ankle injury, the star once again has come under the spotlight. In the last game against the Hornets, Butler struggled with a back issue and even exited the game in the third quarter and didn’t return. Now, the team has listed him in the Probable category. Notably, Coach Eric Spoelstra said, “Just a tight back,” after the game. So, most probably we might see him in action.

Apart from him, the team has listed Duncan Robinson, and Terry Rozzier in the same category while Kevin Love is in the Questionable category. On the other hand, the Raptors also have four players on the injury report, but all of them are ruled out. The list included: Bruce Brown, Gradey Dick, Immanuel Quickley, and Kelly Olynyk.

Jimmy Butler & Co. vs Raptors: Starting lineup and Depth chart

The Miami Heat already have an upper hand in the NBA Cup East Group B, as they have a 1-2 record. And the Raptors have a 0-2 record. Even though the team has less pressure compared to the Canadian team, they surely have to win this game to have a chance at the qualification for the knockouts. Nevertheless, with both teams having an equal number of players and stars in the injury reports, it’s a pretty even contest. Anyway, let’s look at the starting lineup and depth chart.

The Miami Heat

After the return of Scottie Barnes, the team has found fresh energy, as the youngster has picked up from where he left off from his injury exit. Moreover, with RJ Barrett in the form of life, the Raptors can surprise the short-handed Heat. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.