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May 2 update: As expected, Butler will suit up in Game 1 against the 76ers. The star forward dealt with knee inflammation ahead of Game 5 against the Hawks, but had said he planned on playing. That is now officially the case and makes Miami a big favorite Monday night.
May 1 update: Butler is officially listed as questionable in Game 1 with a knee injury, but he has gotten enough rest over the last few days and seems likely to suit up at home. The Heat can use his scoring and defense, especially with James Harden being the superstar to focus on with Joel Embiid out.
The Miami Heat have ruled star forward Jimmy Butler out for Game 5 against the Atlanta Hawks. This is an unexpected development for the Heat, as Butler has been playing a high level throughout the series with seemingly no limitations. He also hasn’t popped up on the injury report.
Heat say Jimmy Butler is out for tonight's Game 5 due to right knee inflammation.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 26, 2022
This is bad news for the Heat, who will also be without Kyle Lowry for this contest. Miami is still a 4-point favorite per DraftKings Sportsbook, which tells you how bad the Hawks have been this series. However, Butler’s offensive impact will be hard to make up. He’s averaging 30.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game this series.
With Butler out, look for Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson and PJ Tucker to take over at the small forward spot. This absence elevates Herro in DFS formats, as well as Max Strus and Gabe Vincent. We’ll see if Miami can close things out without Butler Tuesday night.