Late in the third quarter between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Houston Rockets during the 2017-18 NBA season, Jimmy Butler suffered a non-contact knee injury. Most assumed Butler suffered a torn ACL, but X-rays returned negative as an MRI was later scheduled in Minnesota to determine the severity of the knee injury.
According to Sham Charania of Yahoo Sports, Butler has been diagnosed with a torn meniscus and is determining treatment options:
Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star Jimmy Butler has been diagnosed with a meniscus tear in his right knee and is determining treatment options, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
As it is fortunately not a torn ACL, it is unclear how much time the four-time All-Star will miss. After six seasons with the Chicago Bulls, Butler reunited with head coach Tom Thibodeau in a blockbuster offseason trade for Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn, and Lauri Markkanen. In 56 appearances, he averaged 22.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in 37.1 minutes.
After missing the postseason for 13 consecutive years, the Timberwolves are currently 36-26, which is the fourth-best record in the Western Conference. However, only two games separate them from the New Orleans Pelicans, who currently have the eighth and final playoff spot.
Although the Timberwolves have more than enough talent led by Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins, it remains to be seen if the two rising stars can take the next step without Butler. As Towns is averaging 20.2 points and 12.2 rebounds, Wiggins is averaging 17.6 points and 4.2 rebounds this season.
With another major injury, it will be interesting to see how this affects the Western Conference playoff picture and if Butler can return this season.
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