UPDATE (8:00 p.m.): The Vertical’s Shams Charania is reporting that Butler will have surgery on the right meniscal injury, and that while a timetable will be more certain after the procedure, he possibly could return within 4-to-6 weeks.
Jimmy Butler is expected to undergo surgery in coming days and could return within 4-to-6 weeks, league sources tell Yahoo. Final timetable will be set after procedure.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 25, 2018
UPDATE (5: 15 p.m.):Â The Minnesota Timberwolves announced Saturday that Jimmy Butler will be out indefinitely with a right meniscal injury.
Here’s the update on @JimmyButler pic.twitter.com/jaK5InBpSx
— Dave Benz (@davebenz) February 24, 2018
There is a range of options for when Butler could return, depending on the severity of the injury. The star swingman could return anywhere from two to 24 weeks, as outlined by Duke professor and orthopedic professor Selene Parekh.
Great news for @JimmyButler . MRI shows mensicus tear. Depending on size & location, PRP (2-4wks), surgery w clean out (3-6 wks) or repair (season over 6-9 months RTP) are all possible. https://t.co/UEOeqjzJxr
— Dr. Selene Parekh (@seleneparekhmd) February 24, 2018
Original Story:Â Jimmy Butler is not out of the woods yet, but the signs so far are positive.
The Minnesota Timberwolves guard was carried off the court Friday after suffering an apparent knee injury during Minnesota’s 120-102 loss to the Houston Rockets. And although there’s still some concern for the severity of the injury, initial X-rays came back negative, Yahoo Sports’ Shams Charania reported Friday, citing sources.
Sources: X-rays on Jimmy Butler's right knee returned negative tonight, with MRI scheduled tomorrow in Minnesota and some hope around the severity.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 24, 2018
Losing Butler for any amount of time, let alone the remainder of the season, would represent a huge blow to Minnesota’s hopes for a deep playoff run. In his first year with the T-Wolves, Butler is averaging 22.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and and 5 assists per game.
Minnesota currently sits in fourth place in the Western Conference Standings, 11 games back of the first-place Golden State Warriors, but just two games ahead of the eighth-place New Orleans Pelicans.
