How long is Jimmy Butler out for? Exploring whether Heat's star could miss the NBA Playoffs after latest injury update

As the Miami Heat being their postseason journey, Jimmy Butler remains on the sidelines. After missing Game 1 against the Boston Celtics, more updates have been given regarding the All-Star forward's status.

On FanDuel TV's "Run It Back" show, inside Shams Charania touched on Butler's injury. He said that the Heat star isn't expected to return this postseason after suffering an MCL injury.

"It's crazy to me that Jimmy Butler played three quarters with what I'm hearing now was a severe MCL sprain," Charania said. "He is not gonna be back in this series. This is a rehab that is gonna go at least one month, could be two."

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The Heat secured the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference after taking down the Chicago Bulls in the play-in tournament. Now, they're facing off against one of the NBA's top teams in the Celtics. Jayson Tatum and Co. took Game 1 in convincing fashion, winning 114-94.

With Butler out for the series, Miami is fighting an extremely uphill battle. However, even if his rehab takes two months, he's on track to be fully healthy by next season.

What happened to Jimmy Butler?

Jimmy Butler's injury occurred during the Miami Heat's first play-in matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, colliding with Kelly Oubre Jr. while attacking the basket.

On the play where the injury happened, Butler was pushing the ball in transition after getting a steal. Thinking he was going to go right up with a shot, Oubre sprinted behind him in hopes of getting a chasedown block.

Instead of going right up with the shot, Butler decided to stop at the rim. He pump faked to get Oubre off the ground and tried to create contact in hopes of getting a foul call. On the way down, Oubre and Butler's knees collided. The Heat player was instantly in pain and was never the same following the play.

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Despite being clearly injured, Butler stayed in the game to try and help the Heat secure a spot in the postseason.

He ended up playing 40 minutes and scoring 19 points on 5-for-18 shooting. Butler's all-around performance wasn't enough to get a win for the Heat, as the Sixers secured a one-point victory.

Following this latest update, it's extremely unlikely Butler is seen again this season. He will rehab his MCL injury and begin his offseason training to prepare for 2025.