For the primary spherical of NBA Cup motion on Tuesday evening, the Detroit Pistons will face the Miami Warmth, who might be lacking a key participant in Jimmy Butler.
Based on the Warmth’s harm report, Butler has been dominated out for the evening. He’s presently affected by a sprained proper ankle. The return of the All-Star ahead is presently unknown.
Butler began the yr wholesome. Sadly, the November 8 sport towards the Denver Nuggets featured solely seven minutes of Butler on the court docket. When he left the sport, he solely had two factors, one rebound and two assists.
Previous to the sport towards the Nuggets, Butler appeared in seven video games for the Warmth. He averaged 18 factors, 5 rebounds and 5 assists whereas making practically 50% of his photographs from the sphere.
When the Warmth performed the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday, Butler was not current. Nonetheless, Miami managed to come back out of Minnesota with a one-point victory. They’re 4-5 this yr heading into Detroit on Tuesday evening.
@MiamiHEAT: #MIAvsDET INJURY UPDATE: Jimmy Butler (ankle) has been dominated out for tomorrow evening’s sport towards the Pistons.
#MIAvsDET INJURY UPDATE: Jimmy Butler (ankle) has been dominated out for tomorrow evening’s sport towards the Pistons.
– Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) November 11, 2024
Since becoming a member of the Warmth in 2019, Butler has confronted the Pistons 9 instances. Earlier this yr, the Warmth and Pistons confronted off. Miami was in search of its seventh straight victory towards the Pistons. On the time, Butler was in attendance for the sport.
In 34 minutes, Butler made 63 p.c of his photographs from the sphere to attain 23 factors. He additionally had seven assists, 4 rebounds and 4 steals. The Warmth beat the Pistons 106-98.
Since then, the Pistons have confirmed to be a a lot harder opponent this yr. They’ve gained 4 of their final seven video games since their first street victory towards the Philadelphia 76ers.
Miami is perhaps shorthanded towards the Pistons on Tuesday, however they continue to be a troublesome opponent. Final season, they went 13-9 winningly in Butler’s absence. The 2 groups will start taking part in one another at 7 p.m. ET.
