Heat hold Jimmy Butler out of game at Minnesota with sprained ankle

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler, right, looks to pass the ball after falling on the floor as Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray defends in the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler was held out of Sunday night’s game at Minnesota because of a sprained right ankle, yet another matchup he’s missed against one of his former teams.

Butler was hurt during a drive to the basket just seven minutes into Miami’s game at Denver on Friday night and did not return.

Without the six-time All-Star available, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra was forced to make his first starting lineup change in nine games this season, inserting Kevin Love and Haywood Highsmith for Butler and a healthy Nikola Jovic. The Heat set a franchise record last season with 35 different starting lineups.

Butler forced his way out of Minnesota six years ago with a trade to Philadelphia. The 76ers won both games against the Timberwolves in 2018-19 with Butler healthy, but since being traded to Miami for the following season he has been frequently missing.

This was the sixth absence for Butler with the Heat in 11 games against the Timberwolves. He has played in only two of six games in Minnesota. The Heat went 2-8 against the Timberwolves over the last five seasons and 1-4 with Butler on the floor.

Related Posts

BREAKING: Warriors Star Steph Curry Teams Up With Michelle O.b.a.m.a in Major Business Move

The former first lady and NBA star are partnering up to release a “healthier” sports drink, PLEZi Hydration

ALERT: Warriors Get Bad News As Playoff Chase Gets Tighter

Injury woes hit the Warriors hard as they fight for playoff position. Discover the latest injury their key player.

BREAKING NEWS: Why Gary Payton II’s injury is such a huge hit to the Warriors, who can only hope his absence is a short one

Payton is a crucial two-way player, and the Warriors have no margin for error

Lakers HC Gives 1-Word Reaction to Bulls Upset After LeBron James’ Comments

The Chicago Bulls have swept the Los Angeles Lakers during the regular season, and their most recent victory left many in awe.

Austin Reaves Sends LeBron James Message After Lakers’ Loss to Bulls

  Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves looked to have made a game-winning layup against the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night. Giving Los Angeles a 117-116 lead…

WARNING NEWS: Lakers Potential Center Target Predicted To Take Pay Cut

The Los Angeles Lakers‘ search for a starting-caliber center in the offseason could lead them to the Atlanta Hawks‘ Clint Capela. Bleacher Report’s salary cap expert Eric…