Why is Jimmy Butler not playing tonight against Minnesota Timberwolves? Latest injury update for Heat star (Nov. 10)

Jimmy Butler will not play for the Miami Heat on Sunday against his former team, the Minnesota Timberwolves. The star forward is on Miami's injury report, citing a right ankle sprain. Butler suffered the injury on Friday against the Denver Nuggets. He slipped on a drive attempt in the first quarter and rolled his ankle.

Butler exited the game immediately. He didn't return the rest of the night. There's no specific timeline available for his return. It will be Butler's first game on the sidelines this year. In his eight games, he averaged 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists, shooting 47.8%, including 15.4% from 3-point range.

The Heat went 3-5. Butler's averages dipped after Friday's early exit, as he played only seven minutes in the first quarter, tallying two points and two assists.

However, he wasn't that impactful before that. The Heat have a -1.6 net rating this season, and not much has changed for them despite having a healthy group to start the season for their first seven games.

Jimmy Butler stats vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

Jimmy Butler has played 15 games, averaging 18.3 ppg, 7.1 rpg and 4.3 apg. He's shot 44.8%, including 35.0% from 3. Butler has won eight games against the T'Wolves.

His best outing against the team came on April 14, 2021, when he tallied 30 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and three steals, shooting 47.5% and 12 of 15 from the free-throw line in a 119-111 loss.

Butler hasn't played on the road against the Timberwolves since that game. He will miss the trip up north for the third consecutive time.

How to watch Miami Heat vs. Minnesota Timberwolves?

FanDuel Sports Network - Sun and FDSNNOX will provide coverage of the Miami Heat-Minnesota Timberwolves game in local regions. Viewers outside the local regions can watch the game online via NBA League Pass at 7:00 p.m. ET. Target Center, the Timberwolves' homecourt, will host this matchup.

With Jimmy Butler out, the Timberwolves are -7.5 favorites with a -310 money line. They are coming off three consecutive wins and have no injuries. The Heat, meanwhile, have lost three in a row and are in the middle of a six-game road trip. They are 2-2 away.