Jimmy Butler returned to Miami Heat practice on Sunday after missing 2-games due to a hip injury.
Coach Erik Spoelstra said it was encouraging to see Miami compete in close games without the six-time All-Star, given the team’s 1-1 record sans Butler (and that the loss came by only two points against the Indiana Pacers). But his return to the court gives the 4-6 team a much-needed boost.
For all of us, having him around and healthy makes it easier to get him ready for tomorrow night, according to Spoelstra. Due to a left ankle strain, Tyler Herro is doubtful for the Miami Heat’s matchup with the Portland Trailblazers on Monday at FTX Arena (8:30 p.m., Bally Sports Sun).
Victor Oladipo (left knee tendinosis) and Omer Yurtseven (left ankle impingement) won’t be playing on Monday. However, Yurtseven was spotted moving around on Sunday, and Spoelstra claimed he has been improving.
Due to a nose issue, Nikola Jovic could not accompany the team to Indianapolis for Friday’s loss to the Pacers, but he took part in practice on Sunday. He said that the latter unintentionally elbowed him while engaging in one-on-one combat with Dru Smith.
According to Spoelstra, Jovic would have likely been available if there had been a home game on Friday night. However, they chose to keep him in Miami out of concern that the strain of flying would have worsened the ailment.
Yes, Spoelstra remarked, “It was a bizarre deal.” He was probably a little miffed and perplexed as to why he couldn’t just board a plane and meet us in Indiana. But he works in the background, and they perform a lot of live work. Therefore, there have been many more elbows, flying arms, and other such things. That does not at least slow him down.”
Can the Heat establish consistency with this homestand?
The Heat will host the Trailblazers on Monday and play the Phoenix Suns on November 14 to complete their four-game homestand. It plays the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday and Saturday in between.
Last month, Miami defeated Portland 119-98 in Oregon. The Heat have gone 2-3 since that time.
Although the two teams had played one other recently, Spoelstra noted uncertainty over Portland’s availability and potential momentum considerations going into this clash.
On Portland’s injury report, Damian Lillard was classified as questionable with a right calf strain. Olivier Sarr (right wrist strain) and Gary Payton II (return to competition reconditioning) are listed as out. While Josh Hart (right ankle sprain) and Justise Winslow (right ankle sprain) are listed as likely, Anfernee Simons (left foot irritation) is rated as doubtful.
Miami is returning home after a challenging loss to the Pacers, while the Trailblazers are coming off a decisive victory against the Phoenix Suns without Lillard or Simons on Friday (followed by a 102-82 loss to the same team on Saturday).
When asked if this homestand may help Miami create consistency, Spoelstra responded, “We’re going to take it one at a time. “I realize that seems cliche, but that is the situation. We can’t go too quickly. We must not consider this homestand; Our last home stand didn’t go as planned. But we are aware that we are up against a formidable foe. We’ll pay them attention. And ideally, we can create a game more aligned with who we are. More frequently, our best rendition.”
Jovic, who has played 22 minutes over three regular-season games, expressed his gratitude for the chance to help the squad. Although a team that missed the NBA Finals by one game last season is off to a 4-6 start, Jovic said he is confident in Miami’s ability to turn things around.
Jovic mentioned wanting to fight for a championship by saying, “We’re aiming to achieve what we were talking about at the training camp.” We don’t look that nice right now. You can see through our record, I mean. However, we’re working hard to solve the problem. As I mentioned, the same team competed last season and nearly reached the Finals. Therefore, there is no denying how good we are. We will work things out.