The NBA saw several altercations over the weekend, including a fight breakout during thet Miami Heat vs. New Orleans Pelicans game on Friday night. The altercation will not only affect the Heat and Pelicans moving forward but, due to suspensions, could give other teams significant advantages in coming games. The Heat head to California on Monday night to take on the Sacramento Kings but will be without superstar wing Jimmy Butler, Nikola Jovic, and Thomas Bryant. Butler, a six-time NBA All-Star, will serve a one-game suspension due to Friday’s altercation, only missing the matchup in Sacramento.
The Kings and Heat have faced off once this season, as Miami defended their home court in a 115-106 win. Butler led the way for Miami with 31 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, as the Heat will certainly miss their star in Monday night’s rematch. The Heat do not normally struggle without Butler, hoisting an 11-7 record without their star this season. The Kings have been known to come out sluggish against teams missing their best player, as they have been taken down by the Philadelphia 76ers without Joel Embiid, the Detroit Pistons without Cade Cunningham, and the Boston Celtics without Jayson Tatum to name a few.
Even missing Butler, Jovic, and Bryant, the Heat are a talented team, with All-Star Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, Terry Rozier, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. more than able to carry the load. The Kings travel to take on the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday night, then head home to host the Heat on the second leg of a back-to-back on Monday. Both games are vital matchups for Sacramento as they fight to secure their spot in the playoffs.
