Is Jimmy Butler playing tonight? Latest injury update for Timberwolves vs Heat
By Will Eudy
One of the least-beloved players among Minnesota Timberwolves fans will be in town this weekend when the Wolves take on the Miami Heat on Saturday. Of course, I am talking about former Timberwolf Jimmy Butler.
In what will be the first meeting between Minnesota and Miami this season, the two talented squads will be facing off Saturday evening. Butler is arguably a top 15 player in the NBA, but he is a widely controversial figure in the Twin Cities after his troublesome tenure with the Timberwolves.
With so many NBA stars sitting out games these days, will Wolves fans actually be seeing Butler suit up against their team?
Is Jimmy Butler playing tonight vs the Timberwolves?
Update: The Heat confirmed Butler is OUT vs the Timberwolves.
The Heat’s game in Minnesota will be on the second night of a back-to-back, as they are coming off a loss in Boston on Friday night. With that in mind, Jimmy Butler is not listed on Miami’s injury report and is currently expected to play.
However, Wolves fans are aware why that may change at any time. Jimmy Butler has had a history of ducking the Timberwolves whenever possible. He has a 3-3 record against Minnesota since leaving the franchise in 2018, and he has not played a game against the Wolves in nearly two years.
Full Heat injury report vs Timberwolves:
While it remains to be seen whether Jimmy Butler will actually show his face at Target Center for the first time since November 2021, there are other Heat players listed on the injury report. Haywood Highsmith is out with a left MCL sprain.
Josh Richardson and Caleb Martin are both listed as day-to-day. Richardson is dealing with a foot issue, while Martin is nursing a knee injury. Both missed the Heat’s game against the Celtics on Friday.
Full Timberwolves injury report vs Heat:
Wolves fans are eager to hear when Jaden McDaniels will be able to make his return after missing the regular season opener with a strained calf. He is currently still listed as questionable on Minnesota’s injury report.
The Timberwolves’ 2023 second-round pick out of UCLA, Jaylen Clark, is the only other player on the injury report, as he is still recovering from an Achilles injury.