The Miami Heat are striving to steer clear of the NBA Play-In Tournament in the Eastern Conference, yet they’ve encountered setbacks, as seen on Tuesday night against the Golden State Warriors.

The absence of Jimmy Butler was notable in the game, and the Heat suffered a significant defeat, losing 113-92. Butler’s unavailability was attributed to a non-COVID illness, severe enough to sideline him from the morning shootaround.

Initially listed as questionable on the team’s injury report, Butler was eventually ruled out just a few hours before tip-off. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra explained, “He’s sick. Doesn’t feel well at all today.”

Tuesday’s matchup marked Butler’s 22nd absence this season. Fortunately for Miami, such games without Butler have been rare occurrences this season.

With Butler in the lineup, the Heat have maintained a record of 26 wins and 24 losses. Remarkably, in his absence, they’ve still managed a commendable record of 23 wins and 19 losses, demonstrating their ability to compete effectively without their star player. This resilience bodes well for their prospects for the remainder of the season, especially if Butler misses additional games or requires rest during matches.

However, the absence of Tyler Herro on Tuesday compounded their challenges. Herro has missed 16 consecutive games initially due to a knee issue, but he is currently dealing with a foot problem. The Heat’s depth was further tested with Kevin Love and Duncan Robinson also sidelined.

Navigating through such a substantial number of injuries presents significant challenges, although it’s a common aspect of NBA competition. The Heat must find ways to stay competitive to avoid slipping in the Eastern Conference standings.

Presently, they are tied with the Philadelphia 76ers for the seventh spot, holding the tiebreaker advantage. However, they trail the Indiana Pacers by 1.5 games for the sixth position, which is crucial as it secures a place outside the NBA Play-In Tournament.