Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jimmy Butler (23) reacts to a knee injury on the court as Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) and team trainers hover over him during the second half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Feb. 23, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)Michael Wyke/Associated Press

Jimmy Butler MRI Reveals Meniscal Injury to Knee; Reportedly to Undergo Surgery

Alec NathanFeb 24, 2018

The Minnesota Timberwolves announced Saturday that swingman Jimmy Butler has been diagnosed with a meniscal injury in his right knee following an MRI.

Yahoo Sports' Shams Charania reported Butler has a meniscus tear.

Charania added Butler is expected to miss four-to-six weeks after undergoing surgery on his knee, but a final timetable will be determined after the procedure.

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K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune reported Butler hopes to be back in time for the playoffs.

Butler suffered the injury in the third quarter of Friday's 120-102 loss to the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center.

Butler, 28, is averaging a team-high 22.2 points to go with 5.4 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.9 steals through 56 games this season.

So long as he's sidelined, the Timberwolves will need to lean even more on Karl-Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins and Jeff Teague to keep the starting five afloat.

Jamal Crawford should also shoulder a heavier workload as Minnesota's volume-scoring sixth man.