Miami Heat’s star guard Jimmy Butler from Chicago Bulls’ sustained a potential MCL (medial collateral ligament) injury to his right knee during the team’s play-in tournament loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, according to sources close to the situation. The injury occurred late in the first quarter when Butler attempted a move against Kelly Oubre Jr. and his knee buckled, causing him to fall to the court. Oubre appeared to land on Butler during the play.

Butler, who led the Heat to the NBA Finals last season, expressed his discomfort, stating, “I fell, he landed, and my knee just didn’t do well, I guess. It’s not a good feeling, I can tell you that.” Butler acknowledged the need for an MRI to assess the extent of the injury, with the examination reportedly scheduled for Thursday.

Initial reports of Butler’s possible MCL injury were first disclosed by The Athletic. Despite the injury, Butler remained in the game and scored 19 points, although the Heat ultimately fell short in a 105-104 defeat against the 76ers.

The Miami Heat will host the winner of the play-in game between the Chicago Bulls and the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night, with the victorious team securing the No. 8 seed. However, it remains uncertain whether Butler will be available to participate in the upcoming game. Butler expressed his hope for a speedy recovery but admitted that his current condition limited his performance on both ends of the court.

The 34-year-old Butler, formerly a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, averaged 20.8 points per game in 60 appearances for the Heat this season. Despite his efforts, the Heat struggled in the fourth quarter, with Butler contributing only two points during that period.