Is Jimmy Butler playing tonight against the Charlotte Hornets? Latest on Miami Heat forward's availability (Nov. 27)   

Jimmy Butler is expected to suit up when the Miami Heat hit the road for their skirmish against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center on Wednesday (Nov. 27). The forward has been part of the Heat lineup in their last three games upon return from a sprained ankle and illness. He has been on a tear since with two 30+ points games.

Butler was not mentioned in the latest updated NBA injury report ahead of the team's back-to-back clash. They played the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday as part of their Emirates NBA Cup clash and despite his 23 points, the Bucks beat Miami 106-103. The All-Star forward's availability is certain unless last-minute developments are ruling him out.

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Jimmy Butler gets blunt on Miami Heat's preparations after dismal campaign so far

Speaking to the media in the aftermath of the loss, Jimmy Butler had a blunt response when asked where the Miami Heat were when it came to their aspirations and their performance. The Heat were looked at as dark horses to win the title at the start of the season, but have barely managed to get past the .500 mark throughout the season. Their loss against the Bucks puts them at 7-8.

And the forward minced no words when stating his response.

"Very far."

Not only did the Heat slip to less than .500, but they are also just 3-4 in the seven games they have played at home. Against the Bucks, Butler finished with 23 points, four rebounds, and five assists shooting 6-12 from the field and 0-1 from beyond the arc in 37 minutes.

Earlier, Butler had spoken about his string of solid outings upon his return.

“I feel like I gotta start attacking more often whenever I’m aggressive like that, like the guys want me to be, like Spo always telling me to be. It opens up a lot more for everybody else. So if I can spearhead that part of the offense, we good. Now, just got to figure out how to do it on the defensive side.”

Jimmy Butler is in his sixth season with the Heat. He is averaging 19.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.3 steals per game shooting 51.9% from the field and 20.0% from the three-point range in his first 11 games this season.

The Heat host the Toronto Raptors at home after the Hornets clash for a two-game series with the second Raptors game played at the Scotiabank Arena.