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

What you need to know about Warriors draft pick Alex Toohey

Warriors rookie Alex Toohey, the No. 52 pick in the 2025 NBA draft, was a standout with Sydney Kings in Australia’s National Basketball League

Jonathan Kumіnga Getѕ Clear Uрdate on Future Wіth Warrіorѕ

The season may be over, but the real chess match is just beginning. As the spotlight dims on the hardwood, it shifts to the front offices, where…

What you need to know about Warriors draft pick Will Richard

Will Richard was an integral part of Florida’s national championship-winning team this March

How Warriors stuck to restrained offseason plan with Alex Toohey, Will Richard 2025 NBA draft picks

While the Golden State Warriors added two second-round draft picks, it’s clear they are saving their energy for free agency, which begins Monday.

Update: Lakers Sign NCAA’s Leading Scorer in Surprise Post-Draft Move

The Los Angeles Lakers only had one pick in the 2025 NBA draft, but they certainly made the two-night event count. Initially set to select at No….

Breaking: Lakers may have just found their next Austin Reaves with brilliant UDFA signing

Eric Dixon could follow in Austin Reaves’ successful footsteps. The Los Angeles Lakers have become one of the standard-setting franchises for maximizing the abilities of undrafted free…