Jimmy Butler expected to return for Heat Monday

After missing two straight contests for the Heat with left hip tightness, All-Star swingman Jimmy Butler is set to suit up for Miami Monday night against the Trail Blazers, reports Adam Lichtenstein of The South Florida Sun Sentinel.

The Heat went 1-1 in Butler's absence. The club sports an underwhelming 4-6 record on the young 2022-23 NBA season. 

“I think it’s good for us to be able to compete and have legitimate chances to win games while he was out,” head coach Erik Spoelstra remarked. “But yeah he gives you a great emotional boost when he’s back. It was good to have him running around. He looked fully healthy to all of us. We’ll get him ready for tomorrow night.” 

Butler is returning just in time, as the Trail Blazers have looked formidable thus far with a surprising 8-2 record. Through his eight available contests for the club, the 33-year-old Butler has maintained his All-NBA output. He is averaging 21.5 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 5.5 APG and 1.5 SPG. The 6’7″ vet is also enjoying an excellent shooting season, boasting splits of .470/.391/.873.

Lichtenstein adds that Miami shooting guard Tyler Herro, diagnosed with a sprained left ankle, has been downgraded to questionable ahead of the team’s game against Portland Monday.

Victor Oladipo remains unavailable as he continues to battle the left knee tendinosis that has restricted him from the taking the court all year. Reserve big man Omer Yurtseven continues to struggle with a left ankle impingement.