Nikola Jovic and Jimmy Butler (Images Credit: X/@BleacherReport and NBA)

The Miami Heat bounced back in the NBA Cup with a 124-111 win over the Indiana Pacers on Friday night, evening their tournament record to 1-1. The victory also brought their overall season record to 5-6. Notably, the Heat won without star player Jimmy Butler, who remained sidelined due to a sprained ankle.

Despite Butler’s absence on the court, his presence on the bench made headlines, as he sported a mask in solidarity with teammate Nikola Jovic. Jovic, who suffered a nasal fracture earlier in the week during a loss to the Detroit Pistons, took the court wearing a temporary mask to protect his injury.

This marked the second consecutive game Jovic played with a mask. Despite the discomfort, he contributed 11 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 assist to help secure the win.

Eric Spoelstra Shared Update On Jimmy Butler’s Injury

Jimmy Butler was sidelined for the third consecutive game on Friday due to a lower-body injury he suffered during the team’s loss to the Denver Nuggets on November 8. The absence of one of their key players has been a challenge for the Heat.

Nevertheless, head coach Erik Spoelstra remains optimistic about Butler’s recovery. Ahead of Miami’s game against the Indiana Pacers, Spoelstra provided an update on Butler during a pre-game press conference.

“I don’t have an update. He’s definitely putting in the time. The work has been good for him,” Spoelstra said.

In the game against Denver, where Butler sustained the injury, he struggled to make an impact, recording just two points, two assists, and one rebound before exiting early. Butler has been a consistent contributor this season, averaging 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game despite this setback.