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
