Heat F Jimmy Butler out vs. Hawks with strained calf

Field Level Media|published: Thu 21st December, 17:43 2023

Dec 16, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) drives the ball around Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu (12) during the second half at Kaseya Center. credits: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler will miss Friday's game against the Atlanta Hawks with a strained left calf.

It is the second consecutive game Butler will miss after he sat out Wednesday's 115-106 victory over the Orlando Magic. Butler has played in 23 of the Heat's 28 games this season, averaging 21.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists.

Forward Kevin Love also missed Miami's victory over Orlando with a stomach illness but is expected to play Friday. In his 16th NBA season, Love is scoring 9.6 points per game over 21 contests this season.

According to the Miami Herald, Heat players have combined to miss the fourth-most games in the NBA this season due to injury, just behind the Memphis Grizzlies, Charlotte Hornets and Detroit Pistons. Among that foursome, the Heat are the only team with a winning record.

According to Spotrac, Miami players have missed a combined 89 games due to injury.

—Field Level Media