Jimmy Butler expected back for Warriors in Game 4 vs Rockets
Jimmy Butler, who missed Game 3 with a pelvis and deep gluteal contusion after a collision with Amen Thompson, is slated to return for Game 4, a move the Warriors say is crucial to their title push.
Key points
- Butler suffered a pelvis and deep gluteal muscle contusion in Game 2 against Houston.
- He missed Game 3, prompting coach Steve Kerr to adjust rotations.
- Warriors won Game 3 104-93 without him, taking a 2-1 series lead.
- Sources say Butler will be cleared to play in Game 4 on Monday night.
- His availability is described as vital for Golden State’s championship hopes.
Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler is expected to return for Game 4 against the Houston Rockets on Monday night after missing Game 3 with a pelvis and deep gluteal muscle contusion, league sources confirm The injury occurred during a collision with Houston’s Amen Thompson in Game 2, leaving Butler’s status in doubt as the series shifted to San Francisco tied 1-1
Butler, acquired from Miami at the trade deadline, has been pivotal for Golden State’s playoff push, averaging 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 steals in Game 1 His absence in Game 3 forced Steve Kerr to overhaul rotations, with Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski seeing expanded roles The Warriors secured a 104-93 win without him, taking a 2-1 series lead
Thompson’s foul on Butler drew scrutiny, while Rockets’ Dillon Brooks continues to anchor Houston’s physical defense. Meanwhile, Quinten Post remains sidelined (unrelated to this series).
Medical staff held Butler out of Game 3 to prioritize recovery, with optimism he’ll play Monday “If Jimmy’s out, we have to rethink everything,” Kerr said The Warriors’ title hopes hinge on Butler’s availability as they eye a 3-1 lead
Your questions, answered
Why did Jimmy Butler miss Game 3 of the Warriors‑Rockets series?
He was held out because of a pelvis and deep gluteal muscle contusion sustained in Game 2.
When is Jimmy Butler expected to return to the lineup?
League sources say he should be cleared to play in Game 4 on Monday night.
How did the Warriors perform without Butler in Game 3?
Golden State won 104-93, extending their series lead to 2-1.
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