There have been a number of ups and downs for the Heat to start the 2022-23 campaign.
After coming within one win of the NBA Finals, Miami holds a 16-17 record through 33 games. Health issues have played a significant role in the Heat's struggles, with star forward Jimmy Butler in and out of the lineup because of various ailments.
On Friday, Dec. 23, Butler suffered another setback, exiting their game against the Indiana Pacers with an ankle injury.
Here's everything we know about Butler's latest injury and when he may return to the court.
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What is Jimmy Butler's injury?
Butler suffered a right ankle sprain in the first quarter of Friday's loss to the Indiana Pacers.
Despite the injury, he stayed in the game, playing 28 minutes, before exiting the contest late in the fourth quarter, unable to continue.
Jimmy Butler has a sprained ankle, per coach Erik Spoelstra. Did it in the first quarter, kept playing, then just couldn't anymore by the fourth quarter. He'll be evaluated Saturday.
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) December 24, 2022
How long will Jimmy Butler be out?
Butler, who missed seven-straight games towards the end of November due to right knee soreness, is set to be reevaluated on Saturday, with no clear timeline for his return until after further testing.
Through 20 games, Butler is averaging 21.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.9 steals while shooting 52.9 percent from the field and 36.6 percent from 3-point range.
Jimmy Butler games missed
Butler has missed 12 games this season, largely due to his right knee injury suffered in mid-November.
| Date | Opponent | Reason |
| Nov. 2 | vs. Kings | Left hip tightness |
| Nov. 4 | at Pacers | Left hip tightness |
| Nov. 18 | at Wizards | Right knee soreness |
| Nov. 20 | at Cavaliers | Right knee soreness |
| Nov. 21 | at Timberwolves | Right knee soreness |
| Nov. 23 | vs. Wizards | Right knee soreness |
| Nov. 25 | vs. Wizards | Right knee soreness |
| Nov. 27 | at Hawks | Right knee soreness |
| Nov. 30 | at Celtics | Right knee soreness |
| Dec. 6 | vs. Pistons | Right knee soreness (injury management) |
| Dec. 14 | at Thunder | Right knee soreness (injury management) |
| Dec. 20 | vs. Bulls | illness |
Heat schedule 2022-23
Here are Miami's next seven games of the 2022-23 regular season. The Heat is at home for the next two, before embarking on a five-game West Coast road trip.
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Dec. 26 | vs. Timberwolves | 7:30 p.m. |
| Dec. 28 | vs. Lakers | 7:30 p.m. |
| Dec. 30 | at Nuggets | 9:00 p.m. |
| Dec. 31 | at Jazz | 9:00 p.m. |
| Jan. 2 | at Clippers | 10:30 p.m. |
| Jan. 4 | at Lakers | 10:00 p.m. |
| Jan. 6 | at Suns | 0:00 p.m. |
Jimmy Butler career stats, highlights
- 17.8 points per game
- 5.3 rebounds per game
- 4.2 assists per game
- 1.6 steals per game
- 0.5 blocks per game
- 1.6 turnovers per game
- 33.2 minutes per game
- 46.2 percent shooting
- 32.2 percent 3-point shooting
- 84.0 percent free throw shooting
