May 12, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) dribbles the ball up court against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter in game six of the second round of the 2022 NBA playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Heat SF Jimmy Butler leaves Game 3 with knee inflammation

Miami Heat small forward Jimmy Butler left and was later ruled out for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, reportedly suffering from knee inflammation. 

Butler played the first half of Game 3 but did not return to the floor after halftime. 

Before exiting the game, Butler had eight points shooting just 37.5% from the field (3-for-8). He added three rebounds, two assists and two steals, playing over 19 minutes.

Butler averaged 35.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.5 steals, and 1.5 blocks over the first two games of the Eastern Conference Finals. 

During the postseason, Butler is averaging 29.8 points, 7.6 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game. 

While it's unclear whether or not Butler will be limited or miss any time, losing the All-Star for any period could be trouble for the Heat. Victor Oladipo and Duncan Robinson will likely see more minutes if Butler were to miss extended time.

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