NBA Injury Update: Jimmy Butler probable to play Game 3 against Knicks

Jimmy Butler has had an incredible postseason run for the Miami Heat. He missed Game 2 against the New York Knicks, but the Heat are optimistic that Butler will be available to play in Game 3.

In Game 2, Miami decided to sit Butler due to a sprained ankle he sustained in Game 1. Though he was able to play through the pain during the latter part of their first bout of the series to help them get the win, the team decided not to risk him in Game 2.

The Heat are extremely short-handed as they do not have Tyler Herro and Victor Oladipo. Both are dealing with injuries. As such, they need Butler to continue performing at a high level and carry most of the load.

You might also be interested in reading this: Jimmy Butler family: Taking a closer look at personal life of Miami Heat star

Stephen A. Smith worried about Jimmy Butler potentially eliminating the Knicks

Prior to the series between the Heat and the Knicks, analyst Stephen A. Smith, who is a die-hard fan of New York, said he was not scared of the matchup against Miami. However, he did admit that Butler "scares the hell" out of him.

"That d**n Jimmy Butler scares the hell out of me. When he rolls out there and drops 56, on a Milwaukee team with Giannis [Antetokounmpo], I mean d**n. I got to give love where it's due, because that dude, I know him. I've spoken to him on many occasions," Smith said.

"Let me tell you what Jimmy Butler is thinking. You know what Jimmy Butler is thinking? 'The Knicks are next.' He ain't gon' to shove aside Milwaukee, he gon' take them seriously. But I'm telling you, that's what he thinking. Because Jimmy Butler is sort of salivating at the mouth, at the thought of being able to go to the Mecca, Madison Square Garden, New York City, Madison Avenue, right down the block."

"He wants the Knicks more than he wants the Cavs. He wants Gotham City, he wants New York. He wants to take the euphoria that has resonated and hovered over New York over these past days... He wants to ruin the hearts of New Yorkers everywhere."