Is Jimmy Butler Playing Tonight? Update on Warriors Superstar’s Availability for Game 3 vs. Houston Rockets

The Golden State Warriors will host the Houston Rockets for Game 3 in the first-round playoff series on Saturday night. The series is tied 1-1 after Houston’s 109-94 win in Game 2. Golden State faced a double blow with the loss, as their key forward, Jimmy Butler, suffered a injury during the first quarter.

The former Miami forward took a hard fall on a foul by Houston’s Amen Thompson and had an MRI exam on Thursday that revealed the extent of the injury. Butler stayed in the game to shoot two free throws and then limped to the locker room. He didn’t return and the Warriors failed to extend their lead in the series.

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With the Western Conference first-round series tied at one game apiece, both teams would look to take a decisive lead on Saturday. The Dubs have gone 24-17 in home matchups in the regular season and beat the Rockets two times out of three at Chase Center. Houston required momentum and they got it right time. If Butler goes for an extended period, the Rockets can push for the series win.

Will Jimmy Butler Play Tonight?

With the best-of-seven series tied at 1-1, Butler has been listed as questionable for Saturday’s home matchup against the Rockets. The Warriors forward sustained a pelvic contusion in a frightening fall in Game 2, and it’s unlikely to see Butler in the lineups on Saturday.

Despite all, Steve Kerr, the Warriors coach, is optimistic to see his key forward back in the lineup for Game 3. He has given a slight hope of playing Butler in Saturday’s matchup.

“I’m relatively optimistic, I mean Jimmy’s Jimmy. We know he’s willing to play through anything, so we’ll see,” coach Steve Kerr said Friday. “This is a day-to-day thing for sure and we’ll see how he feels tomorrow. But I think there’s a chance he plays.”

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Jimmy Butler averaged 17.9 points, 5.9 assists and 5.5 rebounds in 30 regular-season games for the Warriors since his trade in February. The former Miami star scored 25 points, seven rebounds and six assists in his team’s 95-85 victory in Game 1.

If Butler misses out on Game 1, Kerr would make adjustments, and it would be interesting to see if Kuminga comes back in roster. Apart from Butler, Gary Payton II is also questionable due to a right shoulder strain. Brandin Podziemksi is off the injury report after battling that recent stomach illness.

Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images