Miami Heat All-Star forward Jimmy Butler is set to sit out his team's Thursday night matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers, marking his 10th consecutive missed game.

This report comes via Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press:

Butler, who has been on an extended spell on the sidelines due to the league's stringent COVID-19 health and safety protocols, was initially listed as questionable to take the floor for the Heat on Thursday.

However, as the above report states, the 31-year-old will miss at least one more game for Miami. Nevertheless, the fact that he even had a chance to play against the Clippers bodes well for his chances to return soon.

There was some optimism that Butler would be able to make his much-awaited comeback sometime this week, which means that he will still get a shot to return on Saturday when Miami hosts the Sacramento Kings. We should get an update on his status for that game within the next couple of days.

Having last took the floor for the Heat back on January 9, Butler has been out of action for a good three weeks. Even if he finally gets cleared to play, conditioning will be an issue. As such, it would not be surprising if the team puts him on some sort of minutes limit in his first few games back.

Butler has missed more games than he has played this season. He's only been able to suit up for the Heat six times in 2020-21, putting up averages of 15.8 points (on 44.2 percent shooting), 5.5 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 2.2 steals per game.