Report: Heat hope Butler returns from ankle injury by end of week
The Miami Heat believe star forward Jimmy Butler avoided a serious ankle injury and could return by the end of the week, a source told the Sun-Sentinel's Ira Winderman.
Butler rolled his ankle during the third quarter of Miami's loss to the Golden State Warriors on Monday, which forced him to exit the contest. He previously injured the same ankle against the Washington Wizards on Dec. 28, but he didn't miss any time since the league postponed the Heat's Dec. 29 matchup against the San Antonio Spurs until Feb. 3 due to COVID-19 protocols.
The 32-year-old has missed 15 of Miami's 38 games so far this season with injuries, most notably to his tailbone. The four-time All-NBA selection is averaging 23.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and two steals.
The Heat have kicked off the 2021-22 campaign with a strong 23-15 start that has them positioned fourth in the Eastern Conference.