Is Jimmy Butler playing tonight against the Detroit Pistons? Latest injury update from the Miami Heat (Oct. 25, 2023)

Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat kick off their regular-season campaign with a home game against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday, Oct. 25. After reaching the NBA Finals for a second time over the last four years (2020, 2023), the Heat aim at nothing but a second straight trip to the finals.

To do so, they need all players available, especially their leader, Jimmy Butler. The All-Star forward is not listed on the team's official injury report, so he is ready for Wednesday's season opener.

For Miami, Josh Richardson is out with discomfort in his left foot, while Haywood Highsmith will also miss the game due to a left knee sprain.

On the other hand, the Pistons are dealing with a major upset, as star forward Bojan Bogdanovic has been ruled out for the next four weeks with a right calf strain. Meanwhile, Isaiah Livers (left ankle sprain) and Monte Morris (right quadriceps strain) will also be unavailable.

After hiring Monty Williams as coach and with star guard Cade Cunningham ready to go, Detroit should be able to challenge for a spot in the play-in tournament and a return to the NBA playoffs after many years.

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Jimmy Butler confident in Miami Heat's ability to return to the NBA Finals and win a championship

Jimmy Butler was one of the main reasons for the Miami Heat's trip to the NBA Finals last year from the No. 8 spot in the Eastern Conference.

His elite two-way play has made him a cornerstone for Miami, which relies greatly on Butler and star big man Bam Adebayo for its success. At the same time, Jimmy Butler doesn't lack confidence and is very optimistic about his team's chances to play in the NBA Finals for the second year in a row and the third time over the last five years.

"Somehow, some way end up in the finals," Jimmy Butler told media during Miami's Media Day in early October. "This time, we're gonna win. This is our year. This is the one. And this one’s going to feel real good, by the way."

Butler and the Heat appeared in the finals in 2020 and 2023 but lost both times to the LA Lakers and Denver Nuggets, respectively. They are now hopeful that if they make it again, they will be victorious this time.

The Heat have their sights set on the season opener against the Pistons. Miami won the series last season, emerging victorious in two of the three games versus Detroit.

The season opener between the Heat and Pistons takes place at Kaseya Center in Miami, and tip-off time is 7:30 p.m. ET.