The Latest Breaking News from PJ Tucker

In the center of it all, still the most important player on the court, Jimmy Butler prepared for the coming stage by going one-on-one against 6-foot-4 reserve Javonte Smart, backing in for an easy basket.

MIAMI — Ahead of last season’s sweep out of the first round of the playoffs, Jimmy Butler said he was “stupidly locked in.” Butler’s tone was a bit different as he stood in front of microphones for his preplayoff media session following Thursday’s practice at FTX Arena.

Can Jimmy Butler be who he was in the bubble? How important is Tyler Herro? Here are six glaring questions Miami must answer.

Last week was a nightmare for the Miami Heat. But this week is off to a much better start.

MIAMI — The Miami Heat confirmed Thursday to the Sun Sentinel that it was the team’s decision, and not the decision of broadcast-rights holder Bally Sports Sun, to elect not to show the third-quarter altercation on the team’s bench during Wednesday night’s loss to the Golden State Warriors at FTX…

Tim Reynolds: Heat status updates … Jimmy Butler, out (ankle) Caleb Martin, in (knee) PJ Tucker, in (knee) Victor Oladipo, out (announced earlier today, back spasms) Source: Twitter @ByTimReynolds What's the buzz on Twitter? Ira Winderman @ ...

Marc Stein: The Heat say Jimmy Butler (illness) has been ruled out of tonight's game against Phoenix. More NBA from me: marcstein.Substack.com Source: Twitter @TheSteinLine What's the buzz on Twitter? Duane Rankin @ DuaneRankin Robinson 3 as Gabe ...

Shams Charania: Victor Oladipo and the Miami Heat plan for the two-time All-Star to make his season debut on Monday against the Houston Rockets, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium . Source: Twitter @ShamsCharania What's the buzz on Twitter? Ky ...

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — For only the 15th time in 53 games and the first time since Thanksgiving weekend, the Heat opened Thursday with the starting lineup that it hopes will carry them well into June.