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Is Jimmy Butler playing for the Heat on Saturday in Game 3 vs. the Knicks?

The Heat SF has an ankle injury. We break down and update you on his status for Saturday’s game vs. New York.

By Chinmay Vaidya Updated
2023 NBA Playoffs - Miami Heat v New York Knicks
Kyle Lowry, Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro of the Miami Heat look on during the game against the New York Knicks during Game Two of the Eastern Conference semifinals of the 2023 NBA Playoffs on May 2, 2023 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 
Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

The Miami Heat and New York Knicks continue their second-round series in the 2023 NBA playoffs Saturday with Game 3 from South Beach set to tip at 3:30 p.m. ET. The Heat will be hoping superstar Jimmy Butler, who suffered an ankle injury late in Game 1 and sat out Game 2, will be available for this pivotal clash. Here’s the latest on Butler’s status ahead of Game 3.

Jimmy Butler injury updates

Update — Butler has been cleared to return to the lineup and will play in Game 3 vs. the Knicks on Saturday afternoon. Butler was ruled out for Game 2 of the series and Miami lost 111-105 at MSG. He scored 25 points in the Heat’s win in Game 1. Back in South Beach, the Heat are 4.5 point favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook to win Game 3.

Butler is officially listed as questionable, but he plans to play according to Ira Winderman. The forward had some extra days to rest due to NBA scheduling and should be able to suit up. Obviously, Butler coming back into the mix would be huge for the Heat as they try to take a 2-1 lead in the series.

Even with Butler set to return, the Heat still need solid contributions from Kyle Lowry, Bam Adebayo and Max Strus. That trio provides the most consistent offense for Miami outside of Butler, and will be worth backing in fantasy formats for Game 3.

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