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NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler is once more listed as questionable for the Miami Heat as they take on the LA Clippers tonight. Butler played in Miami’s last two games after sitting out the previous seven due to a persistent knee injury.
Butler has played in just 15 of the Heat’s 25 games, which is partly why they’re struggling with an 11-14 record. “Jimmy G. Buckets” averages 21.0 points, 7.1 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 1.7 steals. When available, he’s, as always, an indispensable piece for head coach Erik Spoelstra.
Miami’s best player also sat out in the team’s loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. It seems like the Heat are still managing his load, as the season is still very long.
Spoelstra could insert Max Strus into the starting rotation if Butler sits out another game.
Meanwhile, Tyler Herro is expected to suit up for the Miami Heat, as he is only listed as probable. The reigning NBA Sixth Man of the Year winner had become Miami’s go-to guy when Butler was sidelined.
Herro led the Heat with 36 points and six assists in their loss to the Detroit Pistons the other night. “Boy Wonder” has also missed several games already for the Heat. But when he’s available, he has given the team a legitimate scoring threat besides Butler.
Herro is averaging 20.0 points and career-highs in rebounds (6.6) and assists (4.2). This season has also been Herro’s best shooting display. He is hitting 45.4% of his field goal attempts and making 90.6% of his free throws.
The Miami Heat will unquestionably make him the center of the offense if Butler is ruled out.
Kevin Porter Jr.: Right knee soreness; Injured since December 5, 2022
The Houston Rockets could miss shooting guard Kevin Porter Jr. for just the second game this season. He is listed as questionable when the Rockets visit the San Antonio Spurs tonight.
Porter Jr. played very well in the Rockets’ exciting overtime win against the Philadelphia 76ers, which featured Joel Embiid and the returning James Harden. He played 44 minutes, which was tied for a game-high with teammate Jalen Green.
Despite having one of the worst records in the NBA, the Rockets have invested in “KPJ”'s development. He's been playing heavy minutes for a team that’s figuring out its identity as they try to be competitive. Houston could exercise caution and sideline him.
Daishen Nix, Josh Christopher, and Garrison Matthews could see their minutes go up without one of the NBA’s most athletic guards.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: Right wrist pain since December 4, 2022
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope complained of pain in his wrist after the Denver Nuggets’ loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on December 4. The Nuggets listed him as questionable, but he still played in Tuesday’s game versus the Dallas Mavericks.
Denver has now upgraded his status to probable, which means he will likely play unless something drastic happens.
The Nuggets are on a three-game losing streak after winning their previous four. Nikola Jokic is an NBA MVP contender once again, but the supporting cast, such as "KCP," has to step up.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope made just 3-14 three-point shots during the Nuggets’ losing streak. His defense has been steady, but his offense has to pick up.
