LOS ANGELES -- Miami Heat All-Star Jimmy Butler will know the severity of a right shoulder injury after an MRI scheduled for Thursday in Sacramento.
Butler sustained what the Heat termed a right shoulder strain during the third quarter of the team's 128-111 loss to the LA Clippers on Wednesday. Initial tests at Staples Center determined there was no structural damage, but Butler was in discomfort as he left the arena and could be facing some missed time.
"I was out there hacking people and my shoulder went the wrong way and it didn't agree with the contact," said Butler, who had 11 points, five rebounds and seven assists in 26 minutes. "I'm just hoping it's nothing major."
The Heat are at the start of a five-game trip and are already short-handed, with Meyers Leonard and Tyler Herro out with foot injuries. Miami also might be missing players for the next few days as the team completes a multiplayer deal with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Last week, Butler was selected as a reserve for the Feb. 16 NBA All-Star Game in Chicago.
Clippers guard Patrick Beverley also left Wednesday's contest in the third quarter after reaggravating a right groin injury. It is the third time that Beverley -- who scored five points -- has gone down with the issue, including last month, when he missed three games.
Beverley, who on Wednesday committed to playing in the Skills Challenge at All-Star Weekend, will be reevaluated Thursday.
