The New York Knicks know how difficult it is having to play a postseason game without their do-everything forward.
Jimmy Butler's status is uncertain for Miami. The Knicks aren't sure yet about Julius Randle.
The Heat and Knicks will be followed by Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinal series between the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers. Butler is their most important player, scoring 56 and 42 points in the final two games of their first-round series, when the Heat knocked off Milwaukee to become the sixth No. 8 to beat a No. 1 seed in NBA history.
The All-Star forward was far from his best in that series after missing the final five games of the regular season with the initial injury, but the Knicks would take whatever they could get now. They held up fine with a limited Butler in the game's closing minutes, with veterans Kyle Lowry and Bam Adebayo having big final quarters.
The No. 5-seeded Knicks responded from their loss in Game 2 to the Cavaliers by winning three straight to take the series, so they showed no concerns as they try to even this one.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Heat in 'waiting game' after Jimmy Butler rolls ankle in Game 1 vs KnicksThe Miami Heat took Game 1 of their series against the New York Knicks on the road Sunday, but Jimmy Butler's rolled ankle puts them in a 'waiting game' to see if he can play Game 2.
Read more »
NBA playoffs: Heat star Jimmy Butler rolls ankle in Game 1 win over KnicksThe Miami Heat picked up a huge 108-101 win over the New York Knicks on Sunday afternoon to kick off their Eastern Conference semifinals series at Madison Square Garden.
Read more »
Jimmy Butler's double-double powers Heat past Knicks in Game 1 of NBA conference semifinalsJimmy Butler had 25 points and 11 rebounds as the Miami Heat kept rolling after barely making the playoffs, beating the Knicks in Game 1 in New York.
Read more »
Butler, Heat start 2nd round with 108-101 win over KnicksJimmy Butler had 25 points and 11 rebounds, and the No. 8-seeded Miami Heat kept rolling after barely reaching the postseason, beating the New York Knicks 108-101 on Sunday in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Read more »
Jimmy Butler, Heat open semifinals with win at KnicksJimmy Butler totaled 25 points and 11 rebounds and hobbled through the final five minutes as the visiting Miami Heat rallied for a 108-101 victory over the New York Knicks on Sunday afternoon in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series.
Read more »
Julius Randle out for Knicks-Heat Game 1 with injuryJulius Randle likely out for Knicks-Heat Game 1 with injury
Read more »