The Heat find themselves in an unfamiliar position, fighting for their postseason lives before it has even started.
After dropping its first play-in game vs. the Hawks on Tuesday, Miami has just one more chance to punch its ticket to the first round. Standing in its way are the Bulls, led by the dynamic duo of Zach Lavine and DeMar DeRozan.
If it's an elite guard matchup you want, it's an elite guard matchup you'll get. Between Kyle Lowry, Jimmy Butler, Lavine and DeRozan, that's 20 All-Star nods in the backcourt, an impressive total. Add on Lowry and Butler's big game pedigree, and it's easy to see why the matchup is so enticing.
With that, Butler hasn't necessarily been at his best over the past couple weeks, much of which has been due to a nagging hand injury. He was far from his efficient self against Atlanta, limiting Erik Spoelstra's offense and its effectiveness.
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So, what is Butler's status heading into Friday's game? The Sporting News details what you need to know about Butler, as well as broadcast information for Heat vs. Bulls.
Is Jimmy Butler playing vs. Bulls tonight?
Jimmy Butler is expected to start in Friday's game vs. Chicago.
Miami's star guard suffered a hand injury towards the end of the regular season, missing each of the Heat's last regular season matchups. He returned for Tuesday's play-in game but looked worse for the wear, going 6-of-19 in Miami's loss to Atlanta.
What channel is Heat vs. Bulls on?
- TV channel (national): TNT
- TV channel (Miami): Bally Sport Sun
- TV channel (Chicago): NBC Sports Chicago
- Live streaming: TNT app, NBA League Pass, Sling TV
Heat vs. Bulls will be broadcast nationally on TNT. Those in Miami and Chicago can also find it in their local markets via Bally Sport Sun (Miami) and NBC Sports Chicago (Chicago).
The game will also be available for viewing on NBA League Pass, as well as the TNT app and Sling TV. Cord-cutters can find all games broadcast on TNT, ESPN or ABC on Sling, meaning that nearly every playoff game will be aired on the platform.
Heat vs. Bulls start time
- Date: Friday, April 14
- Time: 7 p.m. ET | 4 p.m. PT
Heat vs. Bulls will tip off at approximately 7 p.m. ET on Friday, April 14 at Kaseya Stadium in Miami.
MORE: Bulls, Heat battle for final playoff spot
NBA Playoff schedule 2023: First round
The NBA has released its partial schedule for the first weekend of the NBA Playoffs, announcing the times and broadcast information for Saturday and Sunday's games. More information will be revealed as the postseason continues, so be sure to check back for full updates on the first round as they happen.
(All times Eastern)
Saturday, April 15
| Game | Time | National TV (US) | National TV (CA) |
| Nets vs. 76ers (Game 1) | 1 p.m. | ESPN | TSN 1/5 |
| Hawks vs. Celtics (Game 1) | 3:30 p.m. | ESPN | TSN 1/5 |
| Knicks vs. Cavaliers (Game 1) | 6 p.m. | ESPN | TBD |
| Warriors vs. Kings (Game 1) | 8:30 p.m. | ABC | TBD |
Sunday, April 16
| Game | Time | National TV (US) | National TV (CA) |
| Lakers vs. Grizzlies | 3 p.m. | ABC | TSN 5 |
| No. 8 seed vs. Bucks (Game 1) | 5:30 p.m. | TNT | TSN 5 |
| Clippers vs. Suns | 8 p.m. | TNT | TSN 5 |
| No. 8 seed vs. Nuggets (Game 1) | 10:30 p.m. | TNT | TSN 5 |
