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Jimmy Butler injury status, full injury report ahead of Pacers-Heat NBA Cup game

By Elie Deglaoui

Apr 7, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Apr 7, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images / Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
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Tonight marks the Indiana Pacers' first game of this year's NBA Cup as they host the Miami Heat. The two teams have yet to face each other this season but will go head-to-head in each of their next two games.

For what feels like the millionth time this season, the 5-6 Pacers aim to reach .500 once again. As for the Heat, they stand at 4-6 after losing four of their last five games. However, while they look to get out of their slump, the Heat may have a tough task in front of them due to injuries suffered on the team, most notably to star Jimmy Butler.

Ahead of tonight's game, here is the full injury report for both teams, including Butler's status.

11/15 Pacers injury report vs. Heat

  • Isaiah Jackson (Achilles) - OUT
  • Andrew Nembhard (knee) - OUT
  • Aaron Nesmith (ankle) - OUT
  • James Wiseman (Achilles) - OUT

11/15 Heat injury report vs. Pacers

  • Jimmy Butler (ankle) - OUT
  • Tyler Herro (shoulder) - AVAILABLE
  • Haywood Highsmith (knee) - AVAILABLE
  • Nikola Jovic (nasal fracture) - AVAILABLE

The Pacers' injury report features no changes. Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman, who each suffered devastating Achilles injuries, are likely to remain out for the remainder of the year. Myles Turner remains the Pacers' only healthy center, but the Pacers will likely add another big man to the roster at some point soon.

Furthermore, Aaron Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard are expected to remain on the sidelines at least for the remainder of the month. Given Bennedict Mathurin's recent breakout performances, the Pacers have some more flexibility to play it safe with Nesmith and Nembhard as the third-year wing continues to thrive in an expanded role. Additionally, Ben Sheppard is in line for another start as well.

As for the Heat, they will officially play tonight's game without Jimmy Butler. Butler, who has a $52.4 million player option for next season, has missed each of Miami's last two games. Currently, there is no timetable for his return, meaning he could play against Indiana on Sunday.

On the other hand, Tyler Herro, Haywood Highsmith, and Nikola Jovic, who were all listed on the injury report, are all active and available to play for the Heat tonight.

Projected starting lineups

Indiana Pacers

PG: Tyrese Haliburton
SG: Ben Sheppard
SF: Bennedict Mathurin
PF: Pascal Siakam
C: Myles Turner

Miami Heat

PG: Terry Rozier
SG: Tyler Herro
SF: Haywood Highsmith
PF: Kevin Love
C: Bam Adebayo

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