The last time the Phoenix Suns faced off against the Miami Heat, it was a nail-biter, with the Suns eking out a narrow three-point victory. Kevin Durant was the hero of the night, dropping a game-high 32 points to lead his team to victory. But this time, the dynamic two-time champion won’t be suiting up, leaving the Suns with big shoes to fill.

For the Heat, this matchup at the Kaseya Center seems like the perfect chance to take advantage of a shorthanded Suns squad. However, Miami has its own obstacles to overcome, starting with the potential absence of their star, Jimmy Butler. With the latest updates on his injury raising concerns, Heat fans may be left wondering if their team can still bring the heat without their fearless leader.

Heat vs. Suns Injury Report

The main man of Miami, Jimmy Butler, is dealing with a right knee issue, which has led to him being listed as probable. The team will monitor his condition closely before confirming his status. Butler missed the game against the Celtics due to the injury but returned to face the Lakers, helping secure a victory for his team. Joining him on the list as questionable is Pelle Larsson, because of his sprained ankle. The Swedish guard sustained the injury on Friday during the team’s practice and was immediately added to the injury report.

Fortunately, the Heat are on the brighter side with fewer injury concerns, while the Suns are struggling with a longer list with their scoring machine, Kevin Durant, confirmed on the sidelines due to a left ankle sprain. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the combo forward will be re-evaluated next week before any decision is made.

To add to the woes for Phoenix, Collin Gillespie and Jusuf Nurkic have also been ruled out for Saturday’s clash. Gillespie is sidelined due to a fractured ankle, while Nurkic is out with a right thigh contusion. Meanwhile, there is a slim possibility that Ryan Dunn will join the squad, as he has been listed as questionable owing to his left ankle injury. Now that we have discovered who might or might not be on the court for the match, let’s take a quick look at the teams’ depth charts.

Miami Heat

Phoenix Suns

Will Jimmy Butler and Co. be able to gain the upper hand, or will his absence cause trouble?

Both franchises have clinched the 7th spot in their respective conference standings, although the Suns hold an edge with a 12-9 record compared to the Heat’s 10-10. Historically, the Suns lead with a 40-32 regular-season record, but in the last three seasons, the competition has been neck-and-neck, with each team winning three times. The same could happen this season. The Suns have done their part, and now it might be the Heat’s turn, but without Butler, the team appears underconfident.

Butler has missed five games so far, during which the Heat secured two wins and three losses. While the numbers may not fully reflect his impact, the team certainly lacks depth when Jimmy Buckets doesn’t show up. But, a win would be crucial for the Heat, especially as the Suns are potentially weaker tonight.

This could be the perfect opportunity for Erik Spoelstra’s side to capitalize. However, for that to happen the team will need Butler’s leadership. Will the franchise take the risk with their veteran star? Tune in at 8:00 PM ET to find out the answers to all your questions.