Should the Miami Heat rest Jimmy Butler in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics?
After a huge bounce-back win in Game 3, in which the Miami Heat had to hold off a late surge from the Boston Celtics without Jimmy Butler, the Heat has one big question to answer ahead of Game 4 in Boston.
With a 2-1 series lead, should the Heat rest Jimmy in Game 4 before the series shifts back to Miami?
Jimmy wasn’t able to play in the second half of Game 3 because of knee inflammation but it’s been reported that he intends to play Game 4. However, an intention to play doesn’t necessarily mean he will play 100 percent.
The Heat could elect to rest him in an attempt to make sure he’s as close to 100 percent as can be for what could end up being a huge battle in Game 4 in Miami. Or, which could also be on the table, the Heat could get greedy and try to steal Game 4 too, which would set up a potential closeout opportunity in Miami.
Of course, all of this is moot if Jimmy feels he’s ready to go ahead of Game 4. But if there’s any pain or carryover from Game 3, there is going to have to be a decision to be made for the Heat and their medical staff.
Jimmy didn’t look like himself in Game 3 but is still a calming force on the court. Not having him on the court for Game 4 would almost assure a Celtics bounce-back win. If Jimmy is playing in Game 4, the Heat at least has a puncher’s chance.
The good news is that Miami is currently playing with house money heading into Game 4. But it’s the Eastern Conference Finals and I don’t think it would be wise for the Heat to take games for granted. We’ll see how Miami sees it.