Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler will sit out the matchup against the Sacramento Kings on Monday, marking his absence for the second game of their season series due to a suspension.
Butler, along with Nikola Jovic and center Thomas Bryant, received one-game suspensions following an altercation during a recent game. Bryant’s suspension extends to three games without pay. Additionally, Pelicans forwards Naji Marshall and Jose Alvarado will also face suspensions, affecting their availability for upcoming games.
The league announced that Butler and Marshall were suspended for their involvement in an on-court altercation. Bryant and Alvarado received penalties for their roles in a fight and for leaving the bench area during the conflict. Jovic was suspended for participating in an altercation after leaving the bench.
Pelicans and Heat fight 👀 pic.twitter.com/ifVw6dcdsG
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 24, 2024
The altercation erupted during the fourth quarter of a game between Miami Heat and the New Orleans Pelicans. Analysts criticized the officials for not calling fouls, which potentially could have prevented the escalation of the altercation.
Following the altercation, technical fouls were issued, leading to the ejection of Alvarado, Bryant, Jimmy Butler, and Marshall from the game, which the Miami Heat ultimately won 106-95.
Jimmy Butler’s suspension, along with others, began on Monday, February 26, impacting their availability for the game against the Sacramento Kings. Bryant’s suspension will conclude on Saturday, March 2, while Alvarado is expected to return for the game against the Indiana Pacers on Friday, March 1.
In addition to the suspensions, the Miami Heat are also managing health concerns. Tyler Herro underwent an MRI as a precautionary measure after a knee scare during a recent game. While awaiting MRI results, Herro remains optimistic about his availability for upcoming games.
Furthermore, guard Terry Rozier, sidelined with a sprained knee since February 11, is nearing a return. His comeback could align with Herro’s, providing a boost to the Heat’s backcourt options as they navigate through injuries and suspensions.
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