Miami— The Heat’s star Jimmy Butler has been granted permission to take time off from the team following the passing of a family member, as confirmed by the Heat organization and Butler’s agent, Bernie Lee, on Sunday.

The duration of Butler’s absence remains unspecified, with updates expected to follow. Consequently, Butler will be absent from the Heat’s scheduled game against the Boston Celtics on Sunday.

Despite missing the All-Star selection this season, Butler, now 34, has largely maintained his usual high level of performance, averaging an efficient 21.4 points, along with 5.5 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game.

However, the Heat have encountered difficulties integrating newcomer Terry Rozier, acquired from the Charlotte Hornets. With a 4-5 record since Rozier’s arrival, Butler’s absence during this adjustment phase poses additional challenges for Miami going forward.

Amidst a closely contested race for playoff seeding in the Eastern Conference, the Heat hold the eighth spot with a record of 28-24. The Philadelphia 76ers, seeded fifth and grappling with the absence of Joel Embiid, maintain a narrow three-game lead over the Heat, with the Indiana Pacers and Orlando Magic positioned between them.

These four teams appear to be vying for the final two guaranteed playoff berths, while the remaining two will enter the Play-In Tournament. While the Heat found success last season starting from the Play-In Tournament en route to the Finals, it is definitely not their preferred route.

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By Vincent Quezada

Photo Courtesy of Getty Images

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