With The Miami Heat's Jimmy Butler Returning Soon, Other Eastern Conference Powers Are Also Regaining Health

The good news for Miami Heat is they are almost back to full strength with Jimmy Butler expected back for Friday's game against the Boston Celtics.

The bad news is a couple of other Eastern Conference powers are getting healthy, too.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Khris Middleton (wrist) of the Milwaukee Bucks and the Philadelphia 76ers' James Harden (foot) are nearing returns returns from injury. Both teams were considered championship contenders in the East entering the season.

Sources: Two notable injury updates:

- Bucks star Khris Middleton is nearing his season debut, potentially as soon as Friday vs. Lakers.
- 76ers star James Harden is targeting return on current three-game road trip, likely in Houston on Monday.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 30, 2022

Butler will miss his seventh straight game because of ankle and knee problems. They are targeting his return for Friday against the Celtics. Middleton hasn't played since being injured last year in the second round of the playoffs. Many felt the Bucks would have made the Finals if not for his injury.

Harden has been out since Nov. 2 because of a strained foot tendon.

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Shandel Richardson covers the Miami Heat for Inside The Heat.

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