The Miami Heat have a chance to eliminate the Atlanta Hawks in Game 5 on Tuesday, but it will have to be without a pair of starters.
The Heat had already ruled out starting point guard Kyle Lowry with a hamstring injury, which was expected after the veteran guard left Game 4 early with an ailment.
MORE: Kyle Lowry injury update: When will the veteran guard return?
The surprise came from Tuesday's injury report, which listed Jimmy Butler for the first time this series.
What is Butler's injury and how long will the All-Star forward be sidelined? Here is everything we know below.
What is Jimmy Butler's injury?
Butler never appeared to be injured in any game to this point in the series, but he has been listed on the Heat's injury report for Game 5 with right knee inflammation.
Leading the Hawks 3-1, one game away from advancing to the East Semifinals, Miami may be taking a cautious approach with its star forward.
Butler has been unstoppable so far this postseason, averaging 30.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 2.8 steals in 37.3 minutes per game.
How long is Jimmy Butler out?
Butler has been ruled out for Game 5 against the Hawks, meaning the Heat will have to try and close out this series without their best player.
UPDATE: Jimmy Butler (right knee inflammation) has been ruled out of tonight's game.
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) April 26, 2022
Gabe Vincent (toe) is available. https://t.co/9ihTQh84GM
The Heat are no strangers to playing without Butler, who missed 25 games this season due to various ailments. In those 25 games without Butler, Miami went 15-10.
If the Heat close out the series, they'll have a few days off for Butler to get healthy with the 76ers and Raptors series headed for a Game 6.
According to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel, if a Game 6 is needed on Thursday, April 28, Butler "could be available."
He also added that there would be a chance for Lowry to return in that contest as well.
Heat vs. Hawks series schedule, TV channels
Following Game 4 in Atlanta, the series shifts back to Miami for Game 5 on April 26. Game 6 will be on April 28 if necessary in Atlanta. A time and network for Game 6 has yet to be determined.
(All times Eastern)
| Date | Game | Time | National TV (US) |
| April 17 | Game 1: Heat 115, Hawks 91 | Final | TNT |
| April 19 | Game 2: Heat 115, Hawks 105 | Final | TNT |
| April 22 | Game 3: Hawks 111, Heat 110 | Final | ESPN |
| April 24 | Game 4: Heat 110, Hawks 86 | 7:00 p.m. | NBA TV |
| April 26 | Game 5 | 7:00 p.m. | NBA TV |
| April 28 | Game 6* | TBD | TBD |
| April 30 | Game 7* | TBD | TNT |
*If necessary
