Hit in the knee, Jimmy Butler was forced to miss the last six games of the Heat. But the Florida star might well make his return on Wednesday when the Heat move to … Boston. Big piece for a Miami team still lacking victories, the presence of Jimmy Buckets would therefore not be too much.
We are clearly not on the best start to the season in Heat history. With the best record in the Eastern Conference last season, we expected Miami to be a little below this year, but probably not to this extent: negative record, 11th place in the east and a very disgusting attack, the Heat are floundering for the moment . A mistake perhaps due in part to the absence of their leader? Yes and no.
Erik Spoelstra said Jimmy Butler is feeling better as he continues to work his way back from injury. The hope remains that Butler will be able to make his return during this four-game trip.
— Anthony Chiang (@Anthony_Chiang) November 27, 2022
If the record is not worse without Jimmy Buckets (4-4 once morest 4-5 with the winger), the feeling on the ground is really not the same, and it must be said that the strength of the opponents no more. And let’s talk regarding the opponents. Because if the Heat is neither pleasant to see play, nor very high in the rankings, it is clear that Miami has (really) not had the easiest calendar to start its season. If we rely on the SOS – Strength of Schedule – Miami must have evolved with the 3rd most laborious program. Seen from this angle, the balance sheet of nine victories for eleven defeats is therefore not so bad.
And if that wasn’t enough to reassure Heat fans, the return of Tyler Herro, Kyle Lowry’s big step up who refuses early retirement, or the last two (very) big games of Bam Adebayo should help. But if we can have a Jimmy Butler in shape for the coming week, we won’t say no in Florida.
The good news follows following a bad patch, and Miami takes the opportunity to recover. A big week ahead with twice Boston then the Grizzlies, but the sequel looks calmer, so if everyone does their part it should be fine, doctor.
