Jimmy Butler doubtful for tomorrow’s game vs. Bucks

Jimmy Butler is doubtful to play in the Miami Heat’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks tomorrow, Erik Spoelstra said Monday. The five-time All-Star suffered a sprained ankle in the Heat’s season opener Dec. 23 and missed the second half of Miami’s second game of the season Dec. 25.

The news of this injury puts a damper on the excitement for the Heat’s first match-up against the team they vanquished in the second round of the 2020 playoffs. TNT will telecast tomorrow’s game. Aside from Butler, the Heat will also be without Jae Crowder, who left in free agency. Crowder took on the primary defensive assignment against Giannis Antetokounmpo; Bam Adebayo will take on the task this time.

Last year, Miami won the season series against the Bucks 2-1 — Butler only played in the second match-up — before the Heat beat Milwaukee in five games. Butler had some of his best performances in that series, going for 40 points on 13-of-20 shooting in Game 1 before scoring 30 points, seven rebounds and six assists in Game 3.