Jimmy Butler Ruled Out of Game 3 Against Houston Rockets
The Golden State Warriors have officially ruled out Jimmy Butler for Saturday’s Game 3 matchup against the Houston Rockets, according to the NBA’s official injury report. Butler, who has been a key player for the Warriors this season, suffered a "pelvis and deep gluteal muscle contusion" after a hard fall in the first quarter of Wednesday’s Game 2.
The injury occurred when Butler jumped for a defensive rebound and was undercut by Rockets forward Amen Thompson, causing him to land directly on his tailbone. Butler was forced to exit the game and underwent an MRI on Thursday, which confirmed the injury but showed that he had avoided any structural damage.
Butler’s status for Game 3 had been uncertain, with Warriors coach Steve Kerr stating on Saturday that the team would assess his response to a pre-game workout before making a game-time decision. However, the Warriors ultimately decided to rule him out for the game.
"We’ll see how he responds to treatment and see if he can go," Kerr told reporters on Saturday. "He’ll try to get some work done downstairs and see if he can go."
Butler has been a crucial player for the Warriors this season, helping the team to a 25-9 record in games he has played. His absence will be felt in Game 3, which is scheduled to tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET at the Chase Center in San Francisco.
According to USA Today Sports, the Warriors had planned to assess Butler’s response to his pre-game workout before making a game-time decision on his availability. A person with knowledge of the matter confirmed to USA Today Sports that Butler would get some pre-game treatment for his injury.
The Warriors announced on Friday that Butler would be listed as questionable for Saturday’s game, but ultimately decided to rule him out. The team will need to find a way to compensate for his absence in Game 3, which promises to be a closely contested matchup.
Butler’s Injury and Impact on the Game
Butler’s injury was a significant blow to the Warriors in Game 2, with the team struggling to find their rhythm without him on the court. The Rockets went on to win the game 109-94, taking a 2-0 lead in the series.
The Warriors will need to regroup and adjust their strategy for Game 3, which will be played without one of their key players. According to USA Today Sports, Butler’s absence will be a significant challenge for the team, but they will look to find a way to overcome it.
Game 3 Details
- Date: Saturday
- Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Chase Center, San Francisco
- Teams: Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets
The Warriors will look to bounce back in Game 3 and even the series, while the Rockets will aim to take a 3-0 lead. The game promises to be an intense and closely contested matchup, with both teams fighting for a crucial win.
Source: USA Today Sports
