The New York Knicks were riding a high coming into their second-round matchup with the Miami Heat. An old-school, classic NBA rivalry but a beatable opponent nonetheless. The Garden faithful looked primed to make a run in a suddenly wide-open Eastern Conference. All they had to do was knock off the banged up, eighth-seeded Heat that barely escaped the play-in tournament.
Then Jimmy Butler showed up.
The Heat's star played 43 minutes, finishing with 25 points, 11 rebounds and four assists. After rolling his right ankle late in the fourth quarter, Butler stayed in the game and finished the final five minutes playing the role of decoy.
Miami would go on to capture a series-opening victory thanks to a big second-half on the Garden hardwood, 108-101, showing New York that their first-round upset over the Bucks was anything but a fluke.
Did the adrenaline disguise what could be a devastating injury for Erik Spoelstra's team or will the Heat star be ready for Game 2? Here's a look at his status heading into Tuesday night's action.
MORE: Jimmy Butler battles through right ankle injury in Game 1
Is Jimmy Butler playing vs. Knicks today?
According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, Jimmy Butler will miss Game 2 due to a sprained right ankle.
Heat star Jimmy Butler is out for Game 2 vs. Knicks due to sprained ankle.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 2, 2023
The news broke on Tuesday evening about an hour before tip-off. It is a major blow for a Miami team that has relied heavily on Butler's scoring ability so far this postseason. He is currently averaging 35.5 points per game in this year's playoffs.
Butler suffered the injury late in the fourth quarter of the Heat's victory in Game 1. During a drive to the basket, he got tangled up with New York's Josh Hart and appeared to roll his right ankle. However, he toughed it out with his team holding a narrow lead, staying in the game until there were 23 seconds remaining.
The next time we could see him suit up is for Game 3 in Miami this Saturday. Tip-off in that game is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET.
What channel is Heat vs. Knicks on?
- Date: Tuesday, May 2
- TV channel: TNT
- Live stream: Sling TV
Game 2 between the Heat and Knicks will air on TNT. Viewers can stream the game on Sling TV.
Fans in the U.S. can watch the NBA Playoffs on Sling TV, which is now offering HALF OFF your first month! Stream Sling Orange for $20 in your first month to catch all the games on TNT, ESPN & ABC. For games on NBA TV, subscribe to Sling Orange & Sports Extra for $27.50 in your first month. Local regional blackout restrictions apply.
SIGN UP FOR SLING: English | Spanish`
What time is Heat vs. Knicks tonight?
- Date: Tuesday, May 2
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET | 4:30 p.m. PT
Game 2 between the Heat and Knicks will tip off just after 7:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, May 2 at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Heat vs Knicks odds
The Knicks are 6.5-point favorites over the Heat in Game 2.
| Knicks | Heat | |
| Spread | -6.5 | +6.5 |
| Moneyline | -275 | +225 |
For the full market check out BetMGM.
Heat vs. Knicks schedule
Here is the full schedule for the second-round series between the Heat and Knicks.
| Date | Game | Time (ET)/Result | TV channel |
| April 30 | Game 1 | Heat 108, Knicks 101 | ABC |
| May 2 | Game 2 | 7:30 p.m. at Knicks | TNT |
| May 6 | Game 3 | 3:30 p.m. at Heat | ABC |
| May 8 | Game 4 | 7:30 p.m. at Heat | TNT |
| May 10 | Game 5* | TBD at Knicks | TNT |
| May 12 | Game 6* | TBD at Heat | ESPN |
| May 15 | Game 7* | TBD at Knicks | TNT |
*If necessary
