Jimmy Butler Gets Positive News On His Injury

The Miami Heat have failed to live up to the expectations this season.

An uncharacteristic lack of effort on the defensive end of the floor has plagued Erik Spoelstra’s squad for most of the campaign.

However, it’s not like they’ve been healthy for most of the year, either, starting with All-Star Jimmy Butler.

Butler has struggled with multiple ailments throughout the year, missing more games than he’d want to at this point.

Fortunately, the Marquette product has finally been cleared to play in back-to-backs, according to the Miami Herald’s Anthony Chiang:

“Butler was evaluated by a doctor on Saturday and received final clearance to again take part in back-to-backs, according to a league source. The Heat did not play Butler in both games of any December back-to-back after right knee soreness forced him to miss seven straight games in November. That pattern should change moving forward. The good news for Butler is there isn’t a back-to-back on the Heat’s schedule for more than a month. Miami’s next back-to-back set is on Feb. 10-11,” wrote Chiang.

Also, Jimmy Butler received positive news on his right knee when he met with a doctor in LA on Saturday. https://t.co/4xriFhWqSQ

— Anthony Chiang (@Anthony_Chiang) January 1, 2023

The two-way star has been as efficient as usual when he’s been on the court, and he’s the undisputed leader of this team.

So, with the Heat currently sitting on a 19-18 record and the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference, having their best player fully available for the second half of the season is huge for Spoelstra.

Through 23 games this season, the 33-year-old has averaged 21.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game on 52.8% from the floor and 34% from beyond the arc.