Jimmy Butler injury update: Will he be back for game 2 against the Knicks?

The Miami Heat look as if they will be without star player Jimmy Butler for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks tonight (Tuesday). “Playoff Jimmy” was the key to the Heat’s two comeback wins in round 1 that led them to eliminate the No. 1 Milwaukee Bucks. Playing without him is a major blow to the team.

Jimmy Butler’s injury status

In Game 1, Butler played 43 minutes and had 25 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and two steals in their 108-101 victory over the Knicks, but it came at a cost. Late in the fourth quarter, Butler collided with Josh Hart and rolled his right ankle. He stayed on the ground in pain for some time, but still made it to the free-throw line to make both shots on Hart’s foul.

Despite clearly being in a lot of pain, Butler continued to play even after the free throws. After that, Heat head coach Erik Spolestra said Butler’s status is still uncertain for Tuesday. He has been ruled out for Game 2, as per ESPN’s Andrew Lopez.

“You just don’t know with ankle sprains,” said Spolestra. “It’ll be a waiting game. But he did not want to come out of the game, so we left him in there.”

Spolestra said Butler is getting treatment “around the clock” and it looks like they have made that last-second decision that it is just not worth the risk.

Butler’s loss is significant for the Heat. In the playoffs so far, he’s averaged 35.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.8 steals while shooting 58.5% from the field.

“I’m just hooping” -Playoff Jimmy

The Heat are also without Tyler Herro and Victor Oladipo due to injuries, so they need all the help they can get. With a rolled ankle, though, even if Butler had played, there is little chance that he would have been performing at the level he has up to now.

The Heat play the Knicks in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET.