Miami Heat DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (conditioning) will not play in this weekend's back-to-back set against Atlanta and Houston. It was reported on Thursday that Butler will rejoin the lineup for Saturday's game, but the Heat have now announced that the veteran star will not return to the team until next week. Butler, who has been heavily linked with a trade recently, has missed three games due to an illness. Heat president Pat Riley tried to shut down the rumors on Friday by announcing that Butler would not be traded this season. With Butler unavailable for the weekend's games, Jaime Jaquez Jr. should continue his spell as a starter. He's notched 14.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.7 steals in the starting unit this season.

Miami Heat point guard Terry Rozier (knee) will be back from a one-game absence on Thursday versus Orlando. Inflammation in his left knee kept Rozier sidelined for Monday's clash with Brooklyn, but he makes a quick return to action after being initially considered questionable for Thursday's game. Rozier's last appearance came in a matchup against the Magic, where he posted 23 points. However, the veteran guard has been inconsistent with his offensive work, last hitting double figures in points in a second consecutive game on Dec. 1.

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (conditioning) has been ruled out for Thursday's matchup against Orlando. It was already unlikely that Butler would suit up for the contest after Miami listed him as doubtful on the initial injury report. Now, it's official that he will be unavailable for a third straight game. However, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that Butler is expected to rejoin the lineup for the next game on Saturday versus Atlanta. Butler's absence has opened up additional playing opportunities for several players, including Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Haywood Highsmith. Meanwhile, Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, and Duncan Robinsonhave more offensive duties.

Golden State Warriors forward Kyle Anderson (illness) will be in the lineup on Christmas Day against the Lakers. He was a late addition to the injury report with an illness, but the team has now upgraded him from questionable to available. Anderson's fantasy stock has gone downhill all year, and with the Warriors now fully healthy, it's not guaranteed that Anderson will get minutes. The 31-year-old has posted 4.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists across 13.3 minutes in seven December appearances.

According to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Miami Heat forwardJimmy Butler (personal) is doubtful for Thursday's matchup with the Orlando Magic. On Wednesday, Butler was tagged with a re-conditioning injury designation on the Heat's injury report. His name has also been mentioned in trade rumors recently, and it's unclear if he will make the road trip to Orlando. In 20 games this season, the 35-year-old has posted averages of 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.9 in 31.4 minutes.