Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler has made a welcome return to practice after taking time off to address a personal matter, specifically the loss of a family member. This development comes as the team prepares to resume its post-All-Star break schedule, facing off against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night.
Butler, who last played on February 7, is set to rejoin the lineup for Friday’s game, providing a significant boost to the Heat. His absence did not derail the team entirely, as they managed a 2-1 record in his absence, securing wins against the Milwaukee Bucks and the Philadelphia 76ers. However, they did suffer a loss to the Boston Celtics during this stretch.
Despite missing several key players due to injuries, including Tyler Herro with foot discomfort and Josh Richardson, Terry Rozier, and Ish Smith with various knee issues, the Heat have remained competitive. Duncan Robinson is expected to play despite a shoulder issue.
Butler’s return is crucial for the Heat, as he has been their leading scorer this season, averaging 21.4 points per game along with 5.5 rebounds and 4.6 assists. His scoring prowess has been particularly evident in the last seven games, with six outings of 20 or more points.
In the Eastern Conference standings, the Heat find themselves in a tight race, tied with the Orlando Magic for the 7th seed and just half a game behind the Indiana Pacers. As the NBA trade deadline has recently passed, resulting in significant roster changes across the league, the Heat are looking to make a strong push to secure their playoff position and avoid the Play-In Tournament.
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