Butler out of Christmas game vs. 76ers due to calf strain

Miami Heat superstar Jimmy Butler was ruled out for the team's Christmas Day game against the Philadelphia 76ers due to a calf strain.

Butler had been listed as questionable for the contest before the Heat downgraded him to out Monday afternoon.

This is the third straight game the 34-year-old has sat out due to the calf issue. He sustained the injury last week in Miami's loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Butler is averaging 21.5 points and 5.2 rebounds per game in 23 contests this season.

The Heat are also without Haywood Highsmith and Josh Richardson in Monday's game. Highsmith is battling a head cold, while Richardson is sidelined because of low back discomfort.

Philadelphia is also without its superstar, MVP candidate Joel Embiid, on Monday due to an ankle injury.