GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler remains listed as questionable on the official injury report but will likely again be a game-time decision for Game 4 against the Houston Rockets on Monday (10 p.m. ET, TNT).
Butler missed Game 3 with a left pelvic and deep gluteal muscle contusion, an injury he sustained in the Warriors’ Game 2 loss against the second-seeded Rockets.
Seventh-seeded Golden State leads the series 2-1 and took Game 3 104-93 with Steph Curry scoring a game-high 36 points.
Since the Warriors acquired Butler from the Miami Heat just before the Feb. 6 trade deadline, they have been one of best teams in the league – much improved offensive and defensively. Butler helped the team go 25-9 – including the postseason and play-in tournament – in games he has played for the Warriors.
Is Jimmy Butler playing today for the Golden State Warriors?
As of Monday morning, Butler is questionable to play in Game 4. Butler wants to play and will give it a shot, but it’s a decision that will also be made with the medical staff. He will be monitored throughout the day and try to go through his pregame routine.
All things Warriors: Latest Golden State Warriors news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.
The Warriors did not have an official team practice Sunday, but Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters that Butler spent considerable time with the training staff.
How did Jimmy Butler get injured vs. the Houston Rockets?
Butler sustained the injury after suffering a hard fall onto the court during Wednesday’s game, an eventual 109-94 Rockets victory.
The play happened late in the first quarter, when Butler jumped in an attempt to grab a defensive rebound. As he was in the air, Rockets forward Amen Thompson stumbled and undercut Butler, causing Butler to lose his balance and land directly on his tailbone.
Butler writhed on the floor for a few moments before he got up gingerly. He converted 1-of-2 free throws and exited the game, heading directly to the locker room. The Warriors eventually ruled him out. The MRI determined the extent of the injury and showed no structural damage.
