When will Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler return? What about Terry Rozier?

As the Miami Heat gear up to face the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference first-round series – you can follow Heat-Celtics live with our Dane – fans are eagerly awaiting the return of key players Jimmy Butler and Terry Rozier. With both teams eyeing a crucial Game 1 showdown, the absence of these stars could significantly impact the dynamics of the matchup.

Miami, the eighth seed in the playoffs, is no stranger to facing formidable opponents. Last season, they defied expectations by making a remarkable run to the NBA Finals from the same position. However, their journey this year begins with uncertainty surrounding the availability of Butler and Rozier.

Butler, a cornerstone of the Heat’s success, will be sidelined for several weeks due to an MCL injury sustained in a recent Game against the Philadelphia 76ers. His absence leaves a notable void in Miami’s lineup, particularly considering his average of 20.8 points per Game during the regular season.

How did Butler get injured?

Butler sustained the injury during the first quarter of Wednesday’s closely contested 105-104 loss to the 76ers in the No. 7 vs. No. 8 Eastern Conference Play-In matchup. Despite the injury, Butler remarkably remained in the game and concluded with an impressive stat line of 19 points, five assists, and five steals, albeit shooting 5-for-18 from the field.

Butler sustained the injury in the waning moments of the first quarter when Kelly Oubre Jr. inadvertently landed on him after a pump fake near the basket. The immediate reaction from teaMMAtes and coaches indicated the seriousness of the situation. The 34-year-old was visibly seen limping to the locker room at the conclusion of the quarter. The severity of Butler’s injury is a major cause for concern for the Heat, particularly as the No. 8 seed in the NBA playoffs face the No.1 team.

Rozier added to injury list

Additionally, Miami will be without the services of Terry Rozier for the series opener against the Celtics. Rozier has been sidelined since 7 April due to a neck injury, further complicating the Heat’s prospects in the opening game of the series.

Despite these setbacks, Miami remains focused on maintaining their trademark toughness and resilience. “Ultimately, we’ve just got to bring that Miami Heat culture and that toughness,” remarked Miami rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. “We’ve got two games in Boston. We’ve got to set the tone extremely early, impose our will on them and make it real physical.”

In their quest to upset the top-seeded Celtics, the Heat will lean on players like Tyler Herro, who delivered a stellar performance in the play-in tournament elimination Game against the Chicago Bulls. Herro’s 24 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists were instrumental in securing a crucial victory for Miami.

As the Heat and Celtics renew their playoff rivalry for the seventh time, anticipation for a hard-fought battle is palpable. Both teams are well aware of the stakes, with Miami aiming to replicate last season’s success and Boston seeking redemption after falling short in previous matchups. We at AS USA will be all over it.