Jimmy Butler returned to the Miami Heat lineup on Tuesday as they matched up against the Portland Trail Blazers in the only corner of the country that isn’t held in the throes of winter. As it turns out,

Miami and Portland face off in non-conference action. Tuesday's matchup is the first this season for the two teams.

Deni Avdija scored 26 points, Shaedon Sharpe added 21 and the Portland Trail Blazers led from start to finish in a 119-100 victory over the struggling New Orleans Pelicans.

The Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday night started five youthful players against the Miami Heat. Anfernee Simons, Shaedon Sharpe, Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara and Donovan Clingan formed a group that could be part of the team’s long-term plans.

According to a source familiar with Heat’s plans this is one of the steps toward a Jimmy Butler trade. Picks plus likely a pair of players then would come to the Heat for

Anfernee Simons scored 24 points, Deandre Ayton had 22 points and 15 rebounds, and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Miami Heat 116-107 on Tuesday night. Jerami Grant finished with 18 points and Deni Avdija added 16 for the Blazers,

Anfernee Simons scored 24 points, Deandre Ayton had 22 points and 15 rebounds, and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Miami Heat 116-107 on Tuesday night. Jerami Grant finished with 18 points and Deni Avdija added 16 for the Blazers,

Anfernee Simons scored a game-high 24 points and Deandre Ayton added 22 points and 15 rebounds as the Portland Trail Blazers outran the host Miami Heat 116-107 on Tuesday night.

NEW YORK (AP) — Karl-Anthony Towns had 25 points and 16 rebounds, Jalen Brunson scored eight points down the stretch and finished with 17 as the New York Knicks beat the Brooklyn Nets 99-95 on Tuesday night.