With Zion Williamson and Jimmy Butler Both Ruled Out for Play-In Finale, Can Either of Their Teams Secure the Needed Win?

The Miami Heat suffered a heartbreaking defeat against the Philadelphia 76ers Wednesday night in the play-in tournament. The worst news that the team could receive came this morning when they found out that star guard Jimmy Butler will not be able to play Friday night against the Chicago Bulls with an MCL injury suffered in the second quarter.

It’s been a frustrating season for the Heat, as Butler’s injuries have prevented the team from hitting the true stride they thought they were capable of. The Miami Heat have made the playoffs five seasons in a row and six out of the last 10. They don’t plan on missing the playoffs. However, the Bulls easily handled the Atlanta Hawks last night, led by a career-high from guard Coby White, who finished with 42 points, nine rebounds, and six assists.

The Heat won both games at home and lost both on the road when they played the Bulls this season. Ironically, Butler played in all four games. They’ll be looking at Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro to step up and propel this team to the playoffs.

Moving on to the upcoming Pelicans vs Kings game this Friday.  

Tuesday night in New Orleans, Zion Williamson scored his 40th point with a little bit over five minutes left in the fourth quarter, capping a 13-to-2 run to tie the game with the Los Angeles Lakers. After scoring, he motioned to the bench and said that they needed to take a time out because of some discomfort he was feeling in his leg as he limped to the bench.

Inevitably, he never returned, and the Pelicans lost 110-106, sparking a rematch with the Sacramento Kings just a week ago. This Kings team is coming off a big win against one of their biggest foes, the Golden State Warriors.

Coasting to a twenty-point victory without starting shooting guard Kevin Heurter and sixth man Malik Monk. Both teams are beat up. However, it will come down to the two stars on both teams to decide this one.

New Orleans Pelicans’ Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum were practical no-shows the other night. Ingraham, on somewhat of a minute restriction, finished the game with 11 points for rebounds and for assists. CJ shot 4-15 and 1-9 from three of him, and one for now from finishing with 9 points.

New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Greene will have to decide offensively what the best option for this team is without Williamson available tomorrow. He played in all four games against the Kings this season, averaging 24.5 points, five rebounds, and five assists.