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UPDATE: Dec. 30, 1:50 p.m. — Butler is being listed as out again for the Wednesday’s game vs. the Bucks. This is his second straight game, more like two and a half, due to the ankle injury. The Bucks just demolished Miami by 47 points on Tuesday. No Butler again could mean another Milwaukee win. The Heat started Moe Harkless and Meyers Leonard last night.
UPDATE: Dec. 29, 5:32 p.m. — Butler is being listed as out for Tuesday’s game vs. the Bucks due to an ankle injury.
Miami Heat SG/SF Jimmy Butler is doubtful to play in Tuesday’s game vs. the Milwaukee Bucks due to an ankle injury, Erik Spoelstra told reporters on Monday afternoon. Butler was questionable to play on Christmas Day against the New Orleans Pelicans due to the injury. He ended up starting but was forced to leave in the second half due to the injury flaring up. There’s a good chance the Heat will remain cautious with their best player and hold Butler out another game to rest up.
Erik Spoelstra says Butler doubtful or Tuesday vs. Bucks.
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) December 28, 2020
The Heat were up big at halftime against the Pels, so there’s reason to believe Butler being held out was just precautionary. Him being doubtful for Tuesday is a bit more concerning. It’s a pretty big game against the Bucks, who are 1-2 and desperately need a win. With Butler out the second half vs. NOLA, we saw the Heat use plenty of Goran Dragic, Andre Iguodala and Avery Bradley.
There’s a chance Bradley starts in place of Butler given his defensive prowess. Dragic and Iggy seem better suited coming off the bench. Bradley is also a true point guard, something the Heat haven’t really been featuring in the starting lineup the first two games. Bradley and Dragic will be interesting plays on DraftKings against a Bucks defense that isn’t nearly as intimidating as last season.
Tyler Herro hasn’t broken out yet over two games, so this could be the spot. Jrue Holiday or Donte DiVincenzo will be tasked with chasing Herro around. If it’s DD, that’s a strong matchup. He’s been getting torched by opponents through three games. Bam Adebayo is a strong play with no Butler given what we’ve seen from the Bucks and what happened in the 2020 postseason. Miami-Milwaukee will be an interesting stack option on Tuesday’s slate.