MIAMI — HeatSwingman Jimmy ButlerHe's confident that he'll be available to play against the Eastern Conference semifinalists in Game 1. Philadelphia 76ersHe will be continuing to treat right-leg soreness on Monday night.
After Saturday's practice, Butler said that it was all okay. We have another day. Go out and enjoy the ride. It will hold up on Monday, I am sure. But the time off was great for me and many other guys who are getting nicked up. Everyone's ready for competition.”
Butler sat out Game 5The Heat's series-clinching win against the Atlanta HawksOn Tuesday night, he was solid in jumping and moving about the floor after Saturday's practice. Erik Spoelstra, Heat coach, said that all of the players were present. This included Butler and a veteran guard. Kyle LowryWe were able “a little more than” [Friday].” Heat guard Tyler HerroAfter missing Friday's practice due to a cold, he said he was ready for Game 1.
While the Heat prepare for the Sixers series in Miami, Butler admitted that he still feels bad for his former teammate. Joel Embiid. In the Sixers' series-clinching victory over the Sixers, the Sixers center sustained a mild concussion as well as an orbital fracture. Toronto RaptorsIn Game 6 on Thursday night. His availability for the series remains unknown.
Butler said, “I feel bad about my guy.” “Obviously, one former teammate, undoubtedly the MVP of this league. Jo should play, and I think that I speak for everyone who is a part this team. We want to show them that we are strong enough to beat any opponent. It was an unfortunate accident. I wish he does well and is able to get back to normal as soon as possible.
Butler, who was traded from the Sixers in exchange for part of the 2018-19 Season with them, spent the majority of the season with the Sixers. Minnesota TimberwolvesEmbiid is no longer with his team, so he knows everything will be different.
Butler explained that he is not an analytics expert. “But I was told they're a far better team defensively whenever he is on the floor.” Offensively, I would also guess. His ability to draw double, triple and quadruple team. It's probably quint-teams, with all five of his guards.
“And he makes all the right plays — but he has been doing this for a while in this league, damn certain this year. He would be my choice for MVP. They beat us once without him, but it's going be a tough challenge.”
Spoelstra is also positive that the Heat won’t feel depressed while they wait to find out how long Embiid will miss the series due to his injuries.
Spoelstra said, “You need to be ready in playoff series for any changes that will inevitably occur.” It doesn't matter if it's this or another change, there is a lot of unpredicted things that could happen. Our team has dealt with many variables and changing the goalposts. This is how I think we will approach it.
It starts with deep respect. One for our goals and one for the competition. When you bring up names that are still open, it is hard to not have that respect.”
