Warriors Receive Concerning Injury Update on Jimmy Butler Ahead of Game 3
In a concerning development for the Golden State Warriors, the team has ruled out Jimmy Butler for Game 3 against the Houston Rockets at Chase Center on Saturday. According to the official NBA injury report, Butler will not play in the pivotal swing game due to a left pelvic contusion.
The Warriors announced that fourth-year NBA forward Jonathan Kuminga will start in Butler’s place, with rookie center Quinten Post also getting the nod to start. Guard Moses Moody will shift to the bench as a result of the changes. NBC Sports Bay Area’s Dalton Johnson reported that Butler was spotted on the Warriors’ practice court at Chase Center getting up shots about an hour before tip-off of Game 3.
In an update on Butler’s status, Johnson tweeted: "Jimmy Butler is officially OUT with a left pelvic contusion. He’s currently getting up shots right now on the Warriors’ practice court. Absence isn’t expected to be a long one." Despite being seen getting up shots and appearing to be in good spirits, walking into Chase Center before the game with a smile on his face, the Warriors have clearly decided not to risk him playing against a physical Rockets team.
Butler sustained the injury late in the first quarter of the Warriors’ Game 2 loss to the Rockets at Toyota Center. An MRI on Thursday revealed no fractures or structural damage, providing some relief for the Warriors. However, the team is taking a cautious approach with their star player, recognising that they cannot afford to exacerbate the injury if they hope to make a deep NBA playoff run.
The Warriors had hoped that two full days off between games would give Butler sufficient time to receive treatment and be ready for Saturday night. Nevertheless, the team is prioritising his long-term health over the short-term gains of playing him in Game 3. As NBC Sports Bay Area’s Dalton Johnson noted, "The absence isn’t expected to be a long one," suggesting that Butler may return to the lineup soon.
In Butler’s absence, Kuminga will be tasked with stepping up and making an impact. The 22-year-old had received three consecutive DNPs (Did Not Play) before rejoining the Warriors’ rotation when Butler sustained the injury. Although it remains to be seen how effective Kuminga will be, he did play well against the Rockets in four regular-season games, averaging 21.3 points and 6.8 rebounds. The Warriors will be hoping that he can build on that form and help the team secure a crucial win in Game 3.
The update on Butler’s status comes as a blow to the Warriors, who are looking to bounce back from a Game 2 loss to the Rockets. With the series now tied at 1-1, the Warriors will be eager to regain the upper hand on their home court. As the team prepares to take on the Rockets in Game 3, they will be keeping a close eye on Butler’s progress and hoping that he can return to the lineup soon.
The information regarding Jimmy Butler’s injury was first reported by NBC Sports Bay Area and can be found in detail at https://www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/nba/golden-state-warriors/jimmy-butler-injury-update-houston-rockets/1845818/.
