The Miami Heat are facing the New York Knicks tonight in Game 2 of the NBA playoff series. The series is tied at 1-1 after the Knicks came out on top at the Madison Square Garden. The NY-based franchise has been one of the most impressive teams this year, with the likes of Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle leading the charge.
The Knicks eliminated the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round, after winning the series 4-1. The Heat, on the other hand, have been elite as well. They defeated the mighty Milwaukee Bucks, who were the no.1 seed in the East. Their elimination led the Bucks to fire Mike Budenholzer as well. Jimmy Butler led the team against the Bucks, and he has been doing so against the Knicks as well.
Butler put up a double-double in Game 1, with 25 points and 11 rebounds. Unfortunately for them, he rolled his ankle and was forced to miss Game 2, which the Knicks won. His appearance tonight has come under question, as Heat fans eagerly await his return.
Jimmy Butler remains questionable for the Miami Heat vs New York Knicks game tonight
Reports claimed recently that Butler suffered an inversion ankle sprain. This means that there is a huge chance that he is still experiencing discomfort in his ankle. He twisted his right ankle when driving to the rim in the fourth quarter of Game 1.
Heat Game 3 injury report includes:
– Jimmy Butler QUESTIONABLE ankle
– Caleb Martin QUESTIONABLE back
Both reportedly intend to play… pic.twitter.com/ZyqaHQ1wLa
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) May 5, 2023
Along with Butler, Caleb Martin is also listed as questionable on the injury report for the Heat. Fans will be hoping that both of them make an appearance tonight, as that would undoubtedly boost their chances of getting a win.
Miami Heat injury report
- Jimmy Butler (questionable)
- Caleb Martin (questionable)
- Tyler Herro (out)
- Victor Oladipo (out)
- Haywood Highsmith (probable)
Miami Heat expected roster
- Kevin Love
- Max Strus
- Gabe Vincent
- Bam Adebayo
- Duncan Robinson
New York Knicks injury report
- Jericho Sims (out)
New York Knicks expected roster
- RJ Barrett
- Jalen Brunson
- Julius Randle
- Mitchell Robinson
- Josh Hart
Can Jimmy Butler’s return motivate the Heat to take the lead tonight?
Although the Heat superstar is still in pain, sources claim that he is expected to fight through this. This wouldn’t come as a huge surprise, considering the impact he has on the mentality of the team. Not to mention the sheer dominance he displays on the court. He was the missing piece in Game 2, as Jalen Brunson made sure to punish them with 30 points on the night.
The Heat lost the last game which ended 105-111. Brunson’s shooting, Randle’s playmaking, and Josh Hart’s rebounds were enough for the Knicks to get the job done. The Heat fought during the game with the help of Gabe Vincent from the free-throw line, but that was to no avail.
The chances of the Heat taking the win are very little, mainly because how Butler might not be at his best due to injury. Moreover, Brunson and Randle are completely healthy once again, and they will be aiming to find every opportunity to capitalize on the Heat’s defensive mistakes.