Jimmy Butler injury update: Heat star walks off vs Pelicans after ankle troubles continue

Miami Heat needed a bubble wrap on NBA Christmas Day with star man Jimmy Butler walked off in second half against New Orleans Pelicans. 31-year-old was listed as questionable having twisted his ankle in Wednesday's loss to Orlando Magic. Heat neless, romped to victory in Butler's absence, winning game 111-98 against New Orleans Pelicans. Here's Jimmy Butler ankle injury update. 

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Jimmy Butler injury update: What happened to Jimmy Butler? 

Jimmy Butler logged only 16 minutes in Pelicans vs Heat game having struggled with an ankle issue. 31-year-old was listed as questionable after twisting his ankle coming into game against Pelicans. Butler had logged in 19 points, seven assists and seven steals in 36 minutes on court, but could man only 16 on Friday night. And while five-time NBA All-Star struggled against Pelicans, Heat got off to a fast start, earning a double-digit, half-time lead as Duncan Robinson canned six threes. 

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Butler did t return to paint after half-time with Miami leading 66-53 and had Pelicans to thank as y left far too many open looks for sharpshooter Duncan Robinson, who finished with 23 points on 8-for-14 shooting in 111-98 win. Robinson combined well with Goran Dragic and Bam Adebayo who finished with 18 and 17 points respectively. Butler missed first three games of last season for birth of his daughter, with Heat going 2-1 in those games. 31-year-old played through injury against Magic and Miami will hope that latest set up doesn't keep him out on sidelines for long.

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Heat have three days off before back-to-back home games Tuesday and Wednesday against Milwaukee Bucks. Ankle injuries are always tricky, but Heat would hope that Butler can clock some minutes against Giannis and Bucks. Butler averd 19.9 points and six assists per game in 2019-20.

Miami is seeking its second straight Finals appearance this season after losing to Los Angeles Lakers in 2020 NBA Finals. Heat will be pleased with ir response after opening day defeat against Orlando Magic, as y look to set early bragging rights in a stacked Eastern Conference. 

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(Im Courtesy: Nba.com)