The Miami Heat have made Jimmy Butler available for their Saturday night matchup against the Sacramento Kings after missing time due to health and safety protocols.
Butler has missed the last 10 games, a stretch that saw the Heat struggle and go 2-8. Sophomore shooting guard Tyler Herro is also set to return after suffering from some neck issues.
Jimmy Butler is available to play tonight, as is Tyler Herro.
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) January 30, 2021
For what it's worth, it remains unknown what will be the limitations for Butler when he returns. However, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said that his All-Star swingman will be without minutes restrictions.
Erik Spoelstra says Jimmy Butler does not have any minute restriction tonight.
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) January 30, 2021
The Heat aren’t off to the start they expected to have following an NBA Finals appearance. They are currently the 13th seed in the East with a 6-12 record. Though they have been shorthanded for most of January, they have not really played good basketball.
Their defensive intensity has lost that edge that propelled them into their first Finals appearance since the departure of LeBron James. Opposing guards have had little to no opposition when getting into the paint, forcing Bam Adebayo to help and leading him to get into foul trouble more often than not.
More importantly, the Heat have been out of sorts on the offensive end. Kendrick Nunn, KZ Okapala and Herro–when healthy–have had to take on a heavier role as playmakers. While they are all capable of running the offense, they have not been able to do so consistently and effectively enough to garner wins.
Jimmy Butler’s return will likely result in reduced roles for Nunn and Okpala, allowing them to revert to their intended roles on the team–which should help the Heat’s perimeter defense.
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