The Golden State Warriors are without Jimmy Butler for their Game 3 matchup against the Houston Rockets on Saturday night. This is after the 35-year-old was ruled out right before tip-off due to what appears to be a concerning pelvis injury.
Butler was initially tagged as questionable to play on Saturday after suffering the injury in the first quarter of Golden State’s 109-94 Game 2 loss on Wednesday. The six-time All-Star was unable to return, and it now appears that the injury is more serious than initially anticipated.
Some troubling news surfaced on Saturday night amid the Warriors’ decision to have Butler sit out Game 3. NBA insider Shams Charania revealed the extent of Butler’s injury as well as the decision process the team went through before ultimately opting to keep him sidelined on Saturday night.
“He has a deep contusion in his largest glute muscle,” Charania said. “And that’s also been associated with significant swelling. So as soon as the Warriors saw him enter today and evaluated him, they immediately ruled him out.
Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler speaks with guard Stephen Curry during a game against the Detroit Pistons.
David Gonzales-Imagn Images
“He basically, Malika, has no mobility. And it’s not just about playing through pain or taking pain-killing shots. He literally cannot move well enough to play basketball tonight for the Warriors.”
That does not sound good at all. Charania, however, added that there is optimism surrounding Butler’s status for Game 4 on Monday.
“And remember, this is someone who has played through a Grade Two MCL spring for three quarters last season. In the playoffs, the Warriors are now hopeful for Game 4 on Monday, potentially, for Jimmy Butler to actually play.
The Warriors stole home-court advantage from the No. 2 seed Rockets by winning Game 1 in Houston. This will be erased, however, if Golden State is unable to defend its home floor on Saturday night.
As Charania said, Game 4 at Chase Center will be on Monday, and it remains unclear at this point if Butler will be able to suit up for that one.
