Miami Heat

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (foot) was seen putting up shots after Wednesday's morning shootaround. Butler remains formally listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers due to a right foot contusion that has sidelined him for Miami's past two contests, but he appears to be on the right track to return with this news. The 34-year-old six-time All-Star is providing third-round value in 12-team nine-category leagues since returning the All-Star break, averaging 21.5 points on 50.0% shooting from the field, 5.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.6 steals over his last 10 appearances. This clash figures to be a slow-paced defensive slugfest, with Cleveland ranking first in the East in defensive efficiency rating (108.5), but Butler might have a lot of usage on his plate with Tyler Herro (foot) inactive and Bam Adebayo (back) questionable.

Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (back) has been downgraded to questionable to play in Wednesday's game versus the Cleveland Cavaliers due to pain and swelling in his lower back contusion area. Adebayo is a late addition to the injury report, which is never a good sign,after appearing to come away unscathed from Monday's road loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. The star big man will likely go through pregame warmups before the Heat decide on his availability. With Nikola Jovic (hamstring) also iffy and Kevin Love (heel) already ruled out, Miami could be left with Thomas Bryant for a spot start at center. With that said, Bryant is only averaging 7.3 points on 45.0% shooting from the floor, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in 19.6 minutes over three games as a starter this season and would be an uninspiring fantasy streamer with this matchup's implied total set at a pitiful 204.5 points.

Miami Heat forward/center Kevin Love (heel) won't be able to entertain his former fans, as the team has ruled him out for Wednesday's matchup against Cleveland. The veteran has yet to suit up this month and misses an 11th consecutive game with a bruised heel. Love's absence has given Thomas Bryant a boost, as he's been back in the rotation, even posting a pair of double-digit scoring games recently. However, Bryant sees very little action behind starting center Bam Adebayo, and fantasy managers can't really count on him to do the business on a nightly basis. Even Adebayo might struggle on Wednesday versus a team that allows the fourth-fewest points in the league to opposing centers.

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (foot) is questionable heading into Wednesday's meeting with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 34-year-old has missed the Heat's previous two games with a right foot bruise. However, he's already missed 21 games during the 2023-24 campaign, so fantasy managers wouldn't be shocked if he doesn't suit up on Wednesday evening. With Tyler Herro (foot) and Duncan Robinson (back) ruled out, Miami needs Butler back in the lineup, considering the team has lost six of their last 10 games. At any rate, Bam Adebayo and Terry Rozier are already must-start fantasy options. Yet, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Caleb Martin would earn the same label if Butler stays sidelined.

Miami Heat guard Duncan Robinson (back) isn't available for Wednesday's game against Cleveland. Robinson left Sunday's loss to the Philadelphia 76ers because of back discomfort. The ailment undoubtedly limited him, considering he scored three points in 24 minutes. It's not known how severe Robinson's injury is. However, his next chance to suit up will be Friday versus the visiting Pelicans. With Tyler Herro (foot) out, Robinson's absence is a massive blow to the starting lineup. Things will get even worse on Wednesday if Jimmy Butler (foot) misses another contest. If that's the case, Caleb Martin and Terry Rozier, combining for 35 shot attempts on Sunday, may continue to see an increase in scoring chances. The same can be said for Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Bam Adebayo.