Chicago visits the Portland Trail Blazers after Nikola Vucevic scored 40 points in the Bulls' 125-123 loss to the Charlotte Hornets.

A significant number of former NBA players have sided with Miami Heat superstar Jimmy Butler during his feud with president Pat Riley. Longtime Memphis Grizzlie

On Saturday night, the Miami Heat will play the Portland Trail Blazers in Oregon. For the game, the Heat will remain without their best player, as Jimmy Butler is currently serving a seven-game ...

Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) drives to the basket as Portland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe, right, defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman) AP AP

Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler said that "the whole truth will come out" regarding his trade request and seven-game suspension.

Jimmy Butler addressed his future with Miami after his return from suspension, offering cryptic comments that hinted at lingering discord.

Tyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat dribbles the ball against Anfernee Simons #1 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the third quarter at the Moda Center on October 26, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. The Miami Heat won 119-98. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) Getty Images

That identity starts with defending with zeal. With Bam Adebayo the fulcrum, the Heat has held three consecutive opponents below 100 points and is now 11-0 this season when doing that. Miami is now 8-7 without Butler, whose Heat suspension for “conduct detrimental to the team” runs two more games.

Jimmy Butler’s absence has been a major challenge for the Miami Heat, as he is their offensive leader. However, Tyler Herro has risen to the occasion, proving himself as a key offensive force in the NBA and making bold statements about his evolving role with the team.

Jaquez then delivered an alley-oop to Adebayo to put Miami up 12. Herro’s three free throws – following a Portland flagrant foul - pushed the margin to 15, and Jaquez’s driving layup made it a 17-point game, essentially settling matters.

Tyler Herro had 32 points, including seven 3-pointers, and the Miami Heat downed the Portland Trail Blazers 119-98 on Saturday night.

In this week's Whiteboard roundtable, our NBA team is talking desperation moves for the Warriors, food-based nicknames, the best teams in the West and more.