Jimmy Butler is reportedly trending in the right direction on the injury front.
Butler missed Game 3 of the Golden State Warriors’ first-round series against the Houston Rockets due to a pelvic contusion. The All-Star suffered the injury in Game 2 after Amen Thompson undercut him during a battle for a rebound ( video here).
The Warriors have listed Butler as “questionable” for Game 4. But according to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, Butler has continued to “trend toward a return.”
Jimmy Butler has the official questionable tag on the Game 4 injury report. He continues to trend toward a return, per sources.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) April 28, 2025
Only change on the Houston side: Jock Landale upgraded from out to probable. Likely out of the rotation regardless.
Despite the scary fall, the Warriors reportedly got the “best case scenario” regarding Butler’s injury diagnosis. The 35-year-old was able to avoid a fracture or structural damage.
Butler is also no stranger to playing through injuries during the postseason. He suffered a nasty ankle sprain during the Miami Heat’s playoff run in 2023 but powered through it all the way to the NBA Finals. With the Warriors trying to take a commanding 3-1 lead over the Rockets in Game 4, Butler is unlikely to sit out if Golden State’s medical staff clears him to play.
The Warriors were able to defend homecourt in Game 3 without Butler. Steph Curry put on a vintage performance, scoring a game-high 36 points on just 23 shots. Buddy Hield and Gary Payton II filled the scoring void left by Butler. The bench duo combined for 33 points in Golden State’s 104-93 win.
