UPDATE: Butler has been indefinitely suspended by the Heat and will not play Monday vs. the Magic, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. According to Charania, Butler walked out of the Heat’s shootaround this morning after he was informed that he wouldn’t be starting going forward, with Haywood Highsmith remaining in the starting lineup over Butler. Given this is the third time that Butler has been suspended recently, we may have seen Butler play his last game in a Miami uniform.
With the wing inactive Monday, all of the Heat’s key players receive boosts, most notably Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. That being said, they are in a difficult spot against a Magic defense that ranks second in defensive efficiency, making all Heat players tough sells for DFS. For further updates on Butler’s indefinite suspension, be sure to be checking back to DK Network.
Butler has missed two games in a row due to a team suspension, but the forward has been removed from the Heat’s injury report and he will play Monday vs. the Magic.
Due to injuries and multiple suspensions, Butler has only appeared in 25 games this season and he is averaging 17 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 30.6 minutes per game with a 21% usage rate, which is the lowest usage he has seen since 2015. Amid Butler’s request to be traded, he has continued to start for the Heat when available and he should start in his return Monday, likely bumping Haywood Highsmith back to the bench.
Butler’s return will hurt all of Miami’s key player’s usage rates and Monday presents an unappealing spot, with Orlando ranking second in defensive efficiency this season, making the Heat a team to avoid for DFS purposes.
