Miami Heat forward
Jimmy Butler (calf) will miss the Christmas Day game versus the Philadelphia 76ers, marking his third consecutive absence. With Butler and
Joel Embiid (ankle) both sidelined on Monday, it takes away a bit of the luster from this holiday clash. There's not much clarity on Butler's strained left calf, since the injury wasn't apparent when he last suited up for the Heat during 34 minutes on Dec. 18 versus the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 34-year-old reigning Eastern Conference Finals MVP is presenting top-50 fantasy value with 21.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.1 steals per game this season. Butler aims to return for Thursday's Bay Area showdown with the Golden State Warriors, while
Tyler Herro and
Bam Adebayo will take charge of Miami's offense on Monday.
Jaime Jaquez Jr.,
Duncan Robinson, and
Caleb Martin are all set for more run against Philadelphia as well.