Philadelphia 76ers: 5 must-watch games from 2019-20 NBA schedule

4. Nov. 23 vs. Miami Heat

The city of Philadelphia had a lot to be thankful for when Jimmy Butler was on the roster. How fitting that he make his return in new colors the weekend before the holiday.

The Miami Heat missed the playoffs last season for the second time in three years. However, with Butler on the roster, it’s a pretty safe bet to assume they won’t be sitting home again in 2019-20.

They shouldn’t have a huge issue sneaking in as, at least, a seventh or eighth seed.

Similar to Al Horford when he enters TD Garden for the first time on Dec. 12, as well as Josh Richardson when he returns to South Beach on Dec. 28, it’ll be very interesting to see the kind of reception Butler receives in the Wells Fargo Center, especially after he abruptly made it clear that he wanted to join the Heat earlier this summer.

To be fair, Butler was a fantastic teammate and player from the time he arrived last November, to when he finally walked off the floor on that fateful night in May. He was arguably the team’s best playmaker, and proved to be quite dependable in the clutch.

In Philly, he’s essentially viewed as neither a hero nor a villain — just a case of mutual understanding between both parties, and the best long-term solution. Still, seeing him back on the other side of the ball will be worth tuning in for.