Miami Heat star guard Jimmy Butler didn’t return to Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals due to right knee inflammation.
However, Butler’s injury “isn’t being considered serious” and it’s possible he’ll play Game 4, according to Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes.
Butler, 32, did not re-take the floor following halftime after logging 20 minutes in the first half against the Celtics. The six-time All-Star recorded eight points, three rebounds and two assists as Miami blitzed Boston early en route to taking a 62–47 lead into the break, and held on to win, 109–103, after a late Celtics rally cut the deficit to one point.
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While Butler’s status for Game 4 is unknown at this time, his absence creates a sizable void on both ends of the floor for the No. 1 seed Heat. The veteran wing previously missed Game 5 against the Hawks in the first round due to the same injury; Miami went on to defeat Atlanta, 97–94, to close the series.
The Heat own a 2–1 lead over the Celtics after Saturday’s win.
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