Jimmy Butler, a star for the Miami Heat, is anticipated to start against the Boston Celtics on Friday.
Two NBA All-Stars are expected to play in their first game back, including Butler, who has missed the previous seven due to a right knee ailment. After suffering an MCL injury during the playoffs against the Chicago Bulls last season, Khris Middleton of the Milwaukee Bucks will play against the Los Angeles Lakers in his first game of the year.
The Heat did fine without Butler; they went 3-4, but they are eager to have their No. 1 player back.
Strus proclaimed, “He’s one of the league’s top players.” Why wouldn’t you want him to lie down with us? I’m hoping he can return. We can’t wait for him to return. He is useful over there.
The Eastern Conference will experience change due to Middleton and Butler’s homecoming. Butler is the undeniable leader for the Heat, despite recent success from center Bam Adebayo. The Heat was without their premier player in the lineup.
Middleton, who has served as the Bucks’ No. 2 player since 2017, is comparable. Many believed that, but for his injury, they would have advanced to the Finals last season. He averaged 20.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists as a three-time All-Star.
Without Middleton, two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo had a problematic postseason, as the Boston Celtics defeated the Bucks in the second round. The Bucks are in a good position to contend for the top seed in the Eastern Conference if Middleton stays healthy. Only 2.5 games separate them from the Celtics.