Butler unable to play against Hornets because of toe issue

MIAMI — The toe issue that kept Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler out of the closing stages of Sunday night’s victory over the Washington Wizards also had him out of Wednesday night’s game against the Charlotte Hornets at AmericanAirlines Arena.

The Heat made the Butler announcement two hours before Wednesday’s opening tip.

“He does a lot for us on both ends,” forward Duncan Robinson said. “But this whole year for us, we’ve had guys in and out of the lineup and it’s been next man up for us. We’ve done it by committee.”

Coach Erik Spoelstra said the team and Butler are taking it on a game-by-game basis.

“He’ll continue to do treatment and rest,” he said. “We’ll continue to evaluate tomorrow.”

The team also announced that Tyler Herro was back from his 15-game absence due to ankle soreness and that Kendrick Nunn and Udonis Haslem, who both missed Tuesday’s practice due to illness, were available.

In addition, forward Jae Crowder was cleared to return from the NBA concussion protocol that had him out of Sunday’s game in Washington.

Spoelstra said Herro practically forced his hand with his insistence on being ready.

“I’m tired of him campaigning of trying to get back in a game,” Spoelstra said with a smile. “He’s been working for this for several weeks.”

The Heat remain without center Meyers Leonard, who now has missed 16 consecutive games due to a severely sprained ankle.

The Heat also are without forwards Kyle Alexander and KZ Okpala, who are on G League assignment with the Sioux Falls Skyforce.