Jimmy Butler missed his second straight game with a wrist ailment when the Philadelphia 76ers took on the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night, and it sounds like there is at least some concern that the injury could be serious.
Shams Charania of The Athletic reports that Butler has been diagnosed with a sprained wrist and is scheduled to meet with a specialist on Friday. While he is doubtful for Saturday’s game against the Denver Nuggets, there is some optimism that he is not looking at a long-term absence.
Butler will be with the 76ers in Denver and is doubtful for Saturday's game against the Nuggets, league sources said. Both sides are optimistic he will play during 76ers' four-game road trip. https://t.co/dCLyKFCK0B
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 25, 2019
The 76ers beat both the Spurs and Houston Rockets without Butler, so they haven’t missed him that much. That said, he has been a key part of their success through the first half of the season, as he is averaging 19.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists since being traded to Philly from Minnesota.
There have been rumblings that Butler is unhappy with his role in the Sixers’ offense, but all indications are that the team is not looking to trade him. The goal at the moment is getting Butler’s wrist fully healed.
