Report: Jimmy Butler Plans to Play for Heat in Game 4 vs. Celtics Despite Knee Injury

Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images

Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler intends to play in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics despite his knee injury, per Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports.

Butler exited Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics in the third quarter with knee inflammation and did not return. He had eight points, three rebounds and two assists before exiting. Miami went on to win 109-103.

Butler has dealt with injuries throughout the 2021-22 campaign and also missed Game 5 of the team’s first-round series against the Atlanta Hawks with knee inflammation. In addition, he missed 25 regular-season games with an ankle injury, tailbone injury and toe ailment.  

Any injury to Butler is cause for concern, especially because he’s been the team’s best player this year. He averaged 21.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 5.5 assists in 57 regular-season games. 

The 32-year-old has been even better in the playoffs, entering Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals averaging 29.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 2.2 steals in 12 postseason games. 

Whenever Butler misses time, the Heat rely more heavily on bench players Tyler Herro, Victor Oladipo and Duncan Robinson. Fortunately for Miami, it appears as though Butler will be able to give it a go in Game 4.

The Heat are leading the Celtics 2-1 in the Eastern Conference Finals. Game 4 is set for Monday night at TD Garden.