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Miami Heat SG Jimmy Butler will remain sidelined due to a foot injury Saturday vs. the Phoenix Suns. PG Goran Dragic’s status remains uncertain and he could be held out another game. Both were ruled out for the Heat’s tough loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday evening.
Jimmy Butler (foot) has been ruled out for Saturday vs. Suns. Third consecutive game missed.
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) August 7, 2020
The Heat had the Bucks dead to rights on Thursday, leading by 7 points at halftime and as many as 20 points during the first half. Miami went cold in the second half and ended up losing by 14 points. Bam Adebayo got into foul trouble and was unproductive against Giannis Antetokounmpo. Tyler Herro and Andre Iguodala played heavy minutes off the bench. Kendrick Nunn started at PG and shot 5-of-17 from the field.
Fantasy basketball and betting impact
So with Butler out again, we can continue to roll out guys like Jae Crowder and Iggy, maybe even Airplane Mode Derrick Jones Jr. Nunn, Duncan Robinson and Herro all have value tied to Dragic’s status. If he’s out again, Herro should be a good play off the bench in a game that will be up in pace. Robinson has also shot the lights out from 3, so he’ll be a consideration. Adebayo to bounce back isn’t a bad idea either.
Depending on what the line is, I’d be very interesting in the Suns. Phoenix has been arguably the best team in the bubble and is undefeated at 4-0. The Heat need a win but they also needed a win against the Bucks and had one. Miami can’t let opportunities like that fall through the cracks. I think Phoenix will be too much for Miami to handle without Butler, the best wing defender for the Heat. Considering the spread if it’s under double digits and take a hard look at the ML.
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