Heat's Jimmy Butler (death in family) out vs. Celtics

Field Level Media|published: Sun 11th February, 12:57 2024

Feb 6, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) is introduced before the game against the Orlando Magic at Kaseya Center. credits: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Heat star forward Jimmy Butler has been ruled out of Sunday afternoon's game against the visiting Boston Celtics due to personal reasons.

The Heat provided a statement via Butler's agent, Bernie Lee.

"Jimmy Butler has been granted a leave of absence as he deals with the death of a family member," the statement read. "Jimmy and his family ask for privacy at this point in time as they navigate this loss. Updates will be given when appropriate."

Butler had missed team practice on Friday and Saturday, both with excused absences.

"We're here for him," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said on Sunday, per the Miami Herald. "We had two practices without him. We're grateful we were able to have two practices at this time of the year. We needed to work through some things. Obviously, we're playing a quality opponent today and we're looking forward to that."

Butler, 34, boasts team-best averages in points (21.4), assists (4.6) and steals (1.3) in 37 games (all starts) this season. He is shooting 50 percent from the floor and 44 percent from 3-point range.

The Heat next play Tuesday against the Milwaukee Bucks, the first game of a season-long six-game road trip that will last the rest of February.

—Field Level Media

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