The Miami Heat are looking for their first win of the season as they host the New Orleans Pelicans in the first of the five games scheduled on the NBA's Christmas Day slate.

But they will have to do it without their leader in Jimmy Butler, who will miss the rest of the game due to a right ankle stiffness, according to Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated.

In 16 minutes of play, Butler scored four points on 2-of-7 shooting from the field while adding six rebounds, five assists, and a steal.

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Butler was initially listed as questionable to play in the game due to the same ankle injury but was eventually cleared and logged 16 minutes. The Heat, however, reportedly re-evaluated the five-time All-Star at halftime and decided that he would miss the rest of the game.

The Heat, however, remain in control of the game as Butler’s teammates have stepped up, including Duncan Robinson, who set a Christmas Day record by sinking six three-pointers in the first half to help Miami get out to a hot start against New Orleans. Robinson has since added to his 3-point total on Firday.

Fortunately for Butler and the Heat, they will not play until Tuesday when they face the Milwaukee Bucks, which will give the 31-year-old time to recover.

The Heat are coming off one of the shortest offseason in NBA history after playing in the 2020 Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers, and it is clear that their priority is to preserve their prized All-Star and ease him into the 72-game season, especially after playing heavy minutes in their Finals run.