Miami Heat

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (toe) will be out for the fifth time in his last nine games when the team squares off with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday. Butler is dealing with a right toe MP joint sprain, which he suffered on Dec. 30 in his first action back after a four-game absence due to strained calf. It's been an injury-plagued season for the 34-year-old two-way superstar, who has been limited to 24 games with averages of 21.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.0 steals in 33.6 minutes per game. Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo will function as Miami's primary scoring threats for however long Butler remains on the shelf, with Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Duncan Robinson also absorbing more usage. Butler aims to return on Friday versus the Orlando Magic.

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (toe) remains out on Monday against the Houston Rockets. Fantasy managers didn't expect Butler to be out this long, although it's anyone's guess when he'll be back in the lineup. At any rate, without him, Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro will remain the top offensive options versus Houston. But there's plenty of room for guys like Kevin Love, averaging 15.7 points in the last three games, and Duncan Robinson to stay more involved, especially if Caleb Martin (ankle) doesn't return.

Detroit Pistons guard Alec Burks (hamstring) is expected to play on Sunday versus the Denver Nuggets. Burks has slowed down since averaging 15 points per game in October. However, he scored at least 21 points or more in the previous two games leading up to Friday's loss to the Warriors, so there may be something there for fantasy managers willing to risk putting him in the starting lineup.

Detroit Pistons guard Alec Burks (hamstring) is currently listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Golden State Warriors. The veteran guard lands on the injury report after dropping 27 points in 34 minutes of action during Wednesday's loss. The assumption is that Ausar Thompson would have a bigger role if Burks is forced to sit out. Thompson would be an interesting streaming option with increased playing time. He has been inconsistent recently, but has good upside especially with increased minutes.

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (foot) remains out on Friday against the Phoenix Suns, while teammate Caleb Martin (ankle) is doubtful to play in the game. Butler continues to experience irritation in his right foot, with his next opportunity to take the court and end a three-game absence arriving when the Heat commence a five-game homestand on Monday versus the Houston Rockets. Miami's offense should center around Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo for however long Butler sits out. Over his last nine games without Butler, 2023 first-rounder Jaime Jaquez Jr. is averaging 17.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.1 three-pointers. With Martin unlikely to suit up due to a sprained right ankle on Friday, more minutes should fall into the hands of Duncan Robinson and Josh Richardson on the wings.