GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler will start 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. There are no minutes restrictions or limits on Butler’s availability in Game 4.
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?
Yes, Butler is playing in Game 4 against the Rockets. As of early evening Monday, Butler was listed as questionable to play in Game 4 but he was updated to available on the NBA’s official 9:30 p.m. ET injury report. The Warriors confirmed he was starting. Butler wanted to play, but it was also a decision that was made with the medical staff. He was monitored throughout the day and went through his pregame routine.
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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.
