Jimmy Butler is not playing for the Heat against the Celtics due to a family member’s passing.
The Miami Heat will be without their star player, Jimmy Butler, in the upcoming nationally televised game against the Boston Celtics at Kaseya Center on Sunday afternoon. Butler is unavailable due to what the team has categorized as “personal reasons.” Despite the Heat having a three-day break following their victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday, Butler also missed practice on Friday and Saturday with excused absences.
Butler’s agent, Bernie Lee, issued a statement on behalf of Butler and his family, revealing that Butler has been granted a leave of absence to cope with the loss of a family member. The statement requested privacy for the family during this challenging time, and updates will be provided when appropriate. This absence marks Butler’s first missed game since January 14, ending a streak of 13 consecutive games played and making it the 16th game he has missed this season.
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra expressed support for Butler, emphasizing that the team is there for him. Despite Butler’s absence, the Heat had two practices to work through some issues. Spoelstra acknowledged the challenge of facing a quality opponent like the Celtics but expressed the team’s anticipation for the game.
Butler, 34, has been a key player for the Heat, averaging 21.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game this season, with impressive shooting percentages of 50% from the field and 44% on three-pointers.
Following the Celtics matchup, the Heat has two more games before the All-Star break, including a two-game trip against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday and the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday.
