Jimmy Butler Returns to Heat Ahead of Pelicans Game After Personal Leave of Absence

Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler has returned to the team after missing time due to personal reasons, per Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.

Butler took a leave for absence after the death of a family member. His agent, Bernie Lee, released a statement on Feb. 11 regarding the matter.

The five-time All-NBA player missed Miami's final three games before the All-Star break prior to returning. His next opportunity to suit up will be Friday evening at the New Orleans Pelicans.

Butler has averaged 21.4 points on 50.0 percent shooting, 5.5 rebounds and 4.6 assists for the Heat, so naturally, his return his a welcome sight for a team fighting to make the playoffs. At 30-25, Miami sits seventh in the Eastern Conference, good enough for the top spot in the play-in tournament right now.

There's a lot of work to be done, obviously, but Miami rolled into the All-Star break as winners of six of eight. Having all three of their top stars back and healthy in Butler, Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro certainly helps matters as well.

Now attention turns toward the second half of the year in Miami, which is looking for its third NBA Finals appearance in five years since Butler arrived in town. Tipoff Friday in New Orleans is set for 8 p.m. ET.