The Boston Celtics take on their quest for Banner 18 on Sunday, but they are still unsure of their opponent in the first round.
In their Play-In Tournament game on Wednesday night, the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Miami Heat 105-104, eliminating the Heat as the lone club the Celtics will not play against to start the postseason.
The winner of Thursday’s game between the Heat and the Atlanta Hawks and Chicago Bulls will secure the eighth and final seed in the Eastern Conference.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Miami may be without star player Jimmy Butler for an extended period of time because of a suspected MCL damage to his knee, which could endanger the team’s season. Butler’s injury may keep him out of action for a long time, and an MRI is supposedly planned for this Thursday.
The Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler is suspected of suffering a meniscus tear in his knee, as sources inform @TheAthletic @Stadium. Butler’s injury might keep him out of commission for a long time. MRI to follow.
— Shams Charania tweeting from @ShamsCharania April 18, 2024 Butler was hurt while attempting to trick out Kelly Oubre Jr. on a shot late in the first quarter of the Heat vs. Sixers game. When his right knee gave up, he collapsed onto the court.
According to ESPN News, Butler remarked, “I fell, he landed, and my knee just didn’t do well, I guess.” “I’m not sure. I can assure you that the feeling is not positive.
Butler played 40 minutes in Miami’s loss to Philadelphia, scoring 19 points and grabbing four rebounds. He has averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game for the Heat this season.
Butler went so far as to ensure a Game 7 victory after the Heat lost Game 6 in Miami, which helped them overcome the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals the previous season.
