The Miami Heat’s playoff aspirations took a blow when they lost 105-104 to the Philadelphia 76ers in the round-1 of the playins. Adding onto the grief now -as they head towards one final opportunity for a playoff spot- is the latest injury report of their star player, Jimmy Butler. The small forward suffered an MCL injury in his right knee, playing against the 76ers. And NBA Insider, Shams Charania’s update on the status doesn’t sound favorable for the Heats.

Butler suffered the injury during the final minutes of the 1st quarter. But despite the pain, he went on to play the rest of the game and finished the game with 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists. But his movement during the game was a clear indication that he was suffering through pain. The scans later confirmed that it was an MCL Injury, forcing Butler out for a prolonged period. “The expectation is Miami’s Jimmy Butler will be out multiple weeks,” Charania announced.

The decision of the Heat to let Butler play through the injury ultimately backfired, as their season now hangs in the balance. Jimmy is a veteran of the team. He is a leader on the court and has been an anchor for the team in their difficult situations. His scoring prowess, defensive abilities, and clutch play-making have been crucial, and the obstruction now weighs heavily for the Heats.

Jimmy Butler averages 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game this season. Without, Butler the pressure now falls on Bam Adebayo. The situation further demands Tyler Herro to step up to lead the team’s offense. On the defensive end, DeMar DeRozan & Zach LaVine will look to carry the hopes.

Road ahead for Miami Heat

The Heat now face a do-or-die matchup against the Chicago Bulls on Friday night for the eighth and final playoff spot in the East. Bulls come of strong, recording their second season-high of 131 to win against the Hawks’ 116. The winner will face the Boston Celtics in the round 1 of playoffs. Surely the Heat will face a challenge to navigate without Butler. However, the situation doesn’t seem all to dire for the Heats who have managed to win 2 of their 4 season-series macthups.

“We will do this the hard way,” coach Erik Spoelstra said. “That has to be the path right now. We’re going to rest up, treat up, rally around each other up, get ready for Friday. Again, embrace these competitive games.”

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While the Heats run without Jimmy Butler, the Bulls will be missing their guard Alex Caruso due to left ankle sprain. With agreeable conditions in line, the former will race to fulfil the title journey ended prematurely in the finals last season.