Miami Heat veteran forward Jimmy Butler is already nearing his return as he will reportedly be cleared from the pandemic protocol on Jan. 25.
However, he won't get back on the floor and rejoin the team in an actual game just yet as he needs to ramp up his conditioning, via Sun Sentinel‘s Ira Winderman. Nonetheless, Butler is still expected by the team to suit up in one of their upcoming games this week.
NBA source tells the Sun Sentinel that the expectation is Jimmy Butler will be cleared from pandemic protocol today. Then it will come down to a matter of conditioning. Heat play at Brooklyn tonight, then next play Wednesday at home against Denver.
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) January 25, 2021
Butler has been away from the team for more than two weeks due to an extended stay in the league's health and safety protocols for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. He has only played in six games this season and recorded averages of 15.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.3 assists for the Heat.
The five-time All-Star last suited up back on Jan. 9 against the Washington Wizards where he notched 26 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists. His performance was crucial for the team as they narrowly escaped with a 128-124 victory against the Wizards.
Since then, the Heat have lost five of their next seven games which included another tightly-contested affair against the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday. Head coach Erik Spoelstra and his men stood their ground against the new big three of the Nets.
However, they still fell short and succumbed to a 128-124 loss against Brooklyn. The Heat will play the second game of their back-to-back set against the Nets on Jan. 25 followed by a two-day break before their next game against the Denver Nuggets on Jan. 27.
The Heat will certainly need Jimmy Butler on their corner as soon as possible in order for them to improve from their dismal 6-9 record which currently accounts for the 13th spot in the Eastern Conference.
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