Is Jimmy Butler playing tonight against Houston Rockets? Latest injury update for Heat star (Dec. 29)

Jimmy Butler remains sidelined for the Miami Heat ahead of Sunday's clash against the Houston Rockets. The six-time NBA All-Star hasn't played over the past four games because of a stomach bug. Butler has been working on his conditioning since, and with Miami on the road, he's not traveled with the team.

The Heat initially announced he would join them against the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday and against the Houston Rockets but provided another update after he didn't make it vs. the Hawks. He will remain out until the team returns home on Wednesday to host the New Orleans Pelicans on New Year's Day.

Butler last played against the OKC Thunder on Dec. 20 but exited that contest after seven minutes because of his illness. He also rolled his ankle in the first quarter. However, the Heat have mainly included Butler on the injury report, citing his stomach bug issue.

Jimmy Butler has played 20 of the 29 games this season, averaging 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists, shooting 55.2%, including 35.7% from 3 and 78.2% from the free throw line.

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Houston Rockets among Jimmy Butler's reported landing spots

Jimmy Butler's absence comes amid intense trade buzz surrounding the Miami Heat star. According to ESPN insider Shams Charania, Butler prefers a move out of Miami leading up to the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline. The two-time NBA finalist reportedly has the Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns and the Heat's opponents on Sunday, the Houston Rockets, on his wishlist as his preferred landing spots.

However, the Heat brass has made their stance clear on Butler, with executive Pat Riley and coach Erik Spoelstra saying the team has no plans to trade their star player. Butler is potentially in the final year of his contract. He has a player option for the 2025-26 season worth $52.4 million, which he could decline to become an unrestricted free agent.

If Jimmy Butler and the Heat don't reach an agreement over a new contract, the franchise could risk losing him for free in case he opts in.

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How to watch Miami Heat vs. Houston Rockets game?

FanDuel Sports Network - Sun and Space City Home Network will cover the Miami Heat-Houston Rockets game in local regions. Viewers outside the coverage areas can watch live action online via NBA League Pass. The game begins at 7:00 p.m. ET at the Toyota Center, the Rockets' home court.