As the final group play game in the NBA In-Season Tournament for the Miami Heat is tonight as they face the Milwaukee Bucks, the statuses of players such as Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo are still in question due to injuries. However, in the latest injury report released by the NBA, it gave further insight into the availability of the two stars and other players for the team.
Starting with Butler, the driving force of Miami is still labeled as “questionable” for tonight’s game as he’s dealing with a right ankle sprain. Butler had to miss the Heat’s game against the Brooklyn Nets last Saturday because of the injury though he tested the ankle out beforehand to see if he can push through.
While he couldn’t last game, it’s expected that he tries again tonight to see if he can play against the Bucks. Butler has been averaging 20.7 points, five rebounds, and four assists per game so far on the season. If Butler can’t go Tuesday, look for players such as rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Caleb Martin to fill in and contribute as they did in the star’s absence last Saturday.
A more positive outlook on Heat’s Bam Adebayo, Duncan Robinson
As for the Heat’s other star in Bam Adebayo, who also missed Saturday’s contest due to a left hip contusion, he’s actually listed as “probable” for tonight vs. the Bucks. He’s still dealing with the injury, which was the same issue that made him miss a game earlier in the season.
However, he’s on track to make his return to the starting lineup tonight with the tall task of facing Milwaukee superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Adebayo practiced fully Monday and is currently on a career-best pace as he’s been averaging 22.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, and one block per game.
Another key player for Miami that landed on the injury report is dynamic three-point shooter Duncan Robinson who has a right thump sprain. His official designation is “probable,” which is great news for the team as he missed the last two games due to the injury. Robinson was on his best stretch of the season starting in the last seven games as he was averaging 18.1 points, 3.6 assists, and 3.3 rebounds in 33.1 minutes per game.
Update on Heat’s Tyler Herro and other key players
As for other injury news regarding Miami, star Tyler Herro is still out with the right ankle sprain that is expected to take another week until there is a thought of him returning according to the Miami Herald’s Anthony Chiang. However, there’s no doubt that Herro is present at practice though he isn’t participating in it.
He was seen shooting free throws and three-point shots though with barely any movement. This is obviously a precaution as they don’t want to further worsen the injury caused to Herro. In positive news, Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said to the media Monday that he’s “trending in the right direction.” Miami could really use Herro as he was leading the team with his 22.9 points, five rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game.
Haywood Highsmith is also on the injury report for Tuesday night’s game against the Bucks as he’s “questionable” with a lower back contusion. His statistics so far this season won’t jump out of the page, but his impact on the court is significant to the Heat’s success. When Highsmith is inserted into the starting lineup, Miami is 9-3.
Other injuries on the report are R.J. Hampton who is out with a right knee sprain and Dru Smith who was already announced as out for the season with a 3rd degree ACL sprain. The Heat are 2-1 in group play as a part of the inaugural tourney and to advance to the next round, a win is mandatory against Milwaukee tonight to go along with a New York Knicks loss.