Miami Heat DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (knee) will play against the Lakers on Wednesday. Miami gets its veteran star back after Butler sat out Monday's clash against Boston. He started to feel soreness in his right knee during Sunday's meeting with Toronto and was rested for the second night of a back-to-back. Butler's recent performances have been inconsistent, but there are two 30-point efforts among his most recent five appearances. The Lakers are ranked 24th in defensive efficiency, giving Butler another opportunity to fill it up on Wednesday.

Miami Heat forward Kevin Love (back) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Love has missed two of the Heat's past four games due to a back issue and could remain sidelined for this matchup. At 36 years old, the veteran forward has played a limited role this season, averaging 12.3 minutes per game while mixing in both starts and bench appearances. Despite his limited minutes, Love has remained productive, averaging 5.6 rebounds per game and shooting 39.4% from three-point range. Fantasy managers should monitor his status leading up to Wednesday's game.

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (knee) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Butler sat out Monday's contest in Boston after experiencing soreness in his right knee during Sunday's loss to Toronto. The 35-year-old is a key player for the Heat, averaging 31.9 minutes per game and 18.9 points, while shooting an efficient 53.8% from the field. Butler's all-around game would be crucial in Miami's match-up against the Lakers. Fantasy managers should check his status closer to tip-off on Wednesday.

Miami Heat have ruled out forward Nikola Jovic (ankle) and center Kel'el Ware (G-League assignment) for Wednesday's matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers. Key players Jimmy Butler (knee), Kevin Love (back), and Josh Richardson (illness) are all listed as questionable, adding uncertainty to Miami's rotation. Jovic, who averages 7.7 points per game, will be a notable absence, for Miami Heat's offense and dealing a blow to fantasy managers. Butler's potential return would provide a significant boost to Miami's offense, while the statuses of Love and Richardson could open the door for other players to make an impact.

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (knee) will miss Monday's battle against Boston. Miami completes a back-to-back set, and its veteran star gets the night off due to knee soreness. Butler's absence boosts the fantasy value of Haywood Highsmith and Jaime Jaquez Jr. The latter will replace Butler in the starting unit on Monday, logging his first start of the campaign. Last season, Jaquez Jr. averaged 15.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.3 steals when he rolled with the starters.