Butler had 14 points on 3-for-11 shooting in Miami’s loss at Boston on Friday. The six-time NBA All-Star, who is 34, has dealt with ankle and knee injuries among other nicks over the years and has not played more than 65 games in a regular season since 2016-17.

“We just want to make sure that he’s continuing to feel good, especially early on,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.

The Heat were also without forward Kevin Love (shoulder), guard Josh Richardson (heel), forward Caleb Martin (knee) and forward Haywood Highsmith (knee). Love was hurt against the Celtics. Richardson and Highsmith have yet to play this season.

Miami Heat make big Jimmy Butler, Kevin Love decisions for game vs. Timberwolves

The Miami Heat prepare for their second game of a back-to-back weekend against Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Heat won their first game of the 2023-24 season against the Detroit Pistons before losing to the Boston Celtics. Miami will be down some players in Minneapolis, as Jimmy Butler, Kevin Love, and others have been ruled out for the upcoming game.

The Heat travel to Minnesota short-handed

The inactive list also includes Caleb Martin, Josh Richardson, and Haywood Highsmith, per Ira Winderham. Jimmy Butler and Josh Richardson’s absences will make things harder for the Heat defense, as the two veterans would likely have taken matchups on Anthony Edwards.

Edwards leads the Timberwolves’ scoring attack early in the season. The 22-year-old scored 26 points in the Wolves’ first game against the Toronto Raptors. However, he is not the only one Miami has to worry about. Big men Karl Anthony-Townes and Rudy Gobert will impose their will on both sides of the ball.

Kevin Love will be missed for his presence in the paint against the Minnesota centers; however, Bam Adebayo should be able to hold the fort down. Adebayo comes off a season where he made the NBA’s All-Defensive Second Team.