Heat star Jimmy Butler (ankle) doubtful for Game 2 vs. Knicks

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (best ankle sprain) has actually been reduced to doubtful for Tuesday night’s Game 2 second-round match versus the New York Knicks of the 2023 NBA Playoffs.

“We’re just playing great basketball,” Butler stated in a postgame interview after suffering his injury in the 4th quarter of Game 1. “We’re together, at home, on the road, through the good and through the bad. We believe that we can do something special.”

Per numerous NBA wagering websites, the Heat hold seventh-shortest chances to win the champion. A couple of sportsbooks are revealing much better chances for the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Jimmy Butler is noted as QUESTIONABLE to play in Game 2 due to best ankle sprain, per @_Andrew_Lopez #NBA #Heat #HEATCulture pic.twitter.com/eJTZipbzo9

— NBAWire (@officialNBAwire) May 1, 2023

In Miami’s 108-101 second-round win over the New York Knicks in Game 1 of the 2023 NBA Playoffs, the six-time All-Star tape-recorded 25 points, 11 rebounds, 4 helps, and 2 takes in 44 minutes of action. Plus, the forward shot 8-of-16 (50%) from the field and 9-of-11 (81.8%) at the nasty line.

The Heat forward ended up being the 5th gamer in NBA history to tape-record a minimum of 25 points on 50% shooting through 6 straight video games of a postseason, signing up with LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Bernard King, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (two times).

Additionally, Butler (98 points) likewise ended up being the seventh gamer in NBA history to tape-record a minimum of 95 points in a two-game period in the playoffs, signing up with Jordan, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, Kevin Durant, Rick Barry, and Wilt Chamberlain.

Heat forward Jimmy Butler (ankle) has actually been reduced to doubtful for Tuesday night’s Game 2 match versus Knicks

Through 6 championship game this postseason, Butler is balancing 35.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.7 helps, 1.8 takes, and 38.3 minutes per video game. The 12-year veteran is likewise shooting 58.5% from the flooring and 42.9% outside the arc.

In the Heat’s 119-114 first-round win over Milwaukee in Game 4, the forward scored a career-high 56 points in 41 minutes played. Along with notching 9 boards, 2 helps, and one block, Jimmy Butler shot 19-of-28 (67.9%) from the field and drained pipes 3 3-pointers.

Other gamers noted on Miami’s injury report consist of Victor Oladipo (knee), Haywood Highsmith (knee), and Tyler Herro (hand). Oladipo is out for the season, Highsmith was updated to possible, and Herro stays out forever.

Knicks injury report for Knicks-Heat Game 2 Tuesday:

– Jalen Brunson (aching best ankle) QUESTIONABLE

– Julius Randle (sprained left ankle) QUESTIONABLE pic.twitter.com/ATla58PGoM

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) May 1, 2023

Meanwhile, the Knicks’ Julius Randle (ankle) and Jalen Brunson (ankle) are noted as doubtful. Jericho Sims (shoulder) likewise stays out for the season. New York is 12-4 in its last 16 house video games. The Knicks are 6-2 in their previous 8 video games when playing as the preferred too.

According to ESPN’s Basketball Power Index, the Knicks have a 79.9% possibility of winning Game 2 at Madison Square Garden. Sportsbooks reveal the Heat as 6.5-point underdogs away.