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Debate

Can the Heat survive without Butler, or is their season already slipping away?

Professionalism is what matters the most to Jimmy Butler. “Butler didn’t like some of the guys’ lack of professionalism. [Jimmy] and [then-Timberwolves head coach] Tom [Thibodeau] had long talks about how to deal with it,” Marc Berman of the New York Post once reported. It is always a sight to behold when a player who was forced out of a franchise faces them wearing a different uniform.

In the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets on Friday, Butler lost his footing while driving to the basket. He quickly left the game and headed to the locker room. Before his exit, he managed to score two points, dish out two assists, and make one of his two field-goal attempts. So will we be seeing Butler take on the Minnesota Timberwolves, his former franchise?

The 6x All-Star is out for Sunday’s game against the Timberwolves after injuring his ankle against the Nuggets. Butler played in all eight of Miami’s regular-season games before this injury, though his availability has generally been inconsistent. Last season, the 35-year-old forward played only 60 games and missed the first-round playoff loss due to an MCL injury. Since joining the Miami Heat, Butler hasn’t played over 64 games in a season, last hitting 70 with the Bulls in 2016-17.

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Before his injury, he was averaging 18.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game while shooting 47.7% from the field and 16.7% from beyond the arc. This is the first game Butler will miss this season. With the Heat’s game against the Timberwolves being the third in a six-game road trip, his status for the remainder of the trip remains uncertain. However, Butler will continue traveling with the Heat (3-5) instead of heading back to Miami.

With Jimmy Butler out, can the Heat still correct their course?

Miami has struggled early this season with a 3-5 record. As the team battles without Butler, Bam Adebayo will be key in maintaining the offense and defense. Head coach Erik Spoelstra will rely on him to carry the load while Butler remains sidelined. To put things in perspective, Butler missed two games in a row last season due to a right ankle sprain. Overall, he sat out 22 games last year because of injuries and other issues, and during those absences, the Heat went 13-9.

If the 6-foot-7 small forward’s absence continues, Haywood Highsmith could be called upon to start. Highsmith, who impressed with 19 points in a game against the Suns, is a solid candidate for the role. As per ESPN’s depth chart, Butler is not the only one out.

POSITIONSTARTER2nd3rd
PGTerry RozierTyler HerroDru Smith
SGTyler HerroDuncan RobinsonJosh Richardson
SFJimmy ButlerJaime Jaquez Jr.Pelle Larsson
PFNikola JovicHaywood HighsmithJaime Jaquez Jr.
CBam AdebayoKevin LoveKel’el Ware

What’s your perspective on:

Can the Heat survive without Butler, or is their season already slipping away?

Have an interesting take?

Jamie Jaquez Jr. (illness) is uncertain for Sunday’s matchup with Minnesota, according to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald. Though the Heat have described Jaquez’s issue as an illness, the second-year forward is still working on getting back to full competition shape. He has no set timeline for his return, and if he misses Sunday’s game, it will be his fourth consecutive absence.

Will the Minnesota Timberwolves take advantage of Jimmy Butler’s absence?

Riding a three-game winning streak, the Timberwolves now sit at 6-3. Powered by Anthony Edwards‘ historic shooting, the young guard is making an impact with both volume and accuracy. His incredible performance, combined with a stronger supporting cast, has elevated Minnesota’s offense to new heights.

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On Friday night against the Portland Trail Blazers, Edwards hit nine 3-pointers, bringing his season total to 50. That’s the third-highest in NBA history for the first nine games of the season, trailing only Steph Curry’s 55 in 2018-19 and 53 in 2023-24. And on top of his form, there are no injuries listed for the whole Minnesota roster! Very good news for everyone.

POSITIONSTARTER2nd3rd
PGMike ConleyDonte DiVincenzoRob Dillingham
SGAnthony EdwardsNickeil Alexander-WalkerDonte DiVincenzo
SFJaden McDanielsJosh MinottJoe Ingles
PFJulius RandleNaz ReidJoe Ingles
CRudy GobertNaz ReidJulius Randle

 

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Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels have been controlling the paint, making the Timberwolves’ frontcourt tough to beat. Meanwhile, Edwards is rising as a true superstar. With Gobert anchoring their defense and McDaniels’ presence, the Timberwolves’ defensive pressure will be a serious challenge for the Heat. Miami’s offense, which has struggled recently, will need to find a rhythm against this tough matchup.

Tyler Herro and Adebayo are ready to step up and fill the scoring gap left by Butler. Adebayo’s versatility and Herro’s scoring and playmaking will put pressure on the Timberwolves’ defense. The Heat’s depth, built by Spoelstra, along with their resilient culture, will be crucial in managing without their star player. So who do you think will emerge victorious from this showdown?

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