The Miami Heat expect to have All-Star Jimmy Butler back in the lineup when they host the struggling New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night, though his long-term status remains uncertain.
Butler has missed the last five games due to a flu-like illness. During his absence, reports have surfaced about his desire to be traded amid ongoing contract negotiations. However, Butler was vague about his state of mind after returning to practice on Tuesday.
Butler’s potential return isn’t the only distraction for the Heat. Their recent 104-100 victory against the Houston Rockets was overshadowed by a late-game altercation.
With 1:56 left, Tyler Herro hit a jumper to give Miami a one-point lead, followed by Nikola Jovic’s 3-pointer that extended the lead to four points with 47.4 seconds remaining. In the final seconds, Herro exchanged words with Rockets forward Amen Thompson, who grabbed Herro’s jersey and tossed him to the ground, leading to a brief skirmish involving players and coaches from both teams.
Herro and teammate Terry Rozier, along with four Rockets players, were ejected. The NBA announced on Tuesday that Rozier will serve a one-game suspension against New Orleans, and Herro was fined $25,000.
The Pelicans, meanwhile, are enduring a 10-game losing streak, including a narrow 116-113 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday. New Orleans had led by as many as 14 points and maintained control for much of the fourth quarter, but James Harden’s two free throws with 17.9 seconds left broke a tie, and Pelicans rookie Yves Missi missed one of two free throws with a chance to tie the game with 4.3 seconds remaining.
CJ McCollum scored 33 points for New Orleans, making a season-high eight 3-pointers as the Pelicans hit a season-high 18 from beyond the arc. McCollum noted that it “takes time” to build chemistry with DeJounte Murray, who was acquired in an offseason trade with Atlanta. They have only played 15 games together due to injuries.
The Heat will be looking to capitalize on the Pelicans’ struggles and maintain their momentum, while New Orleans aims to end their losing streak and find some stability in their lineup. The game promises to be a test of resilience and focus for both teams.
