Warriors' Jimmy Butler suffers pelvic contusion, MRI scheduled as game 3 status uncertain
Pranjal Chandra | Apr 24, 2025, 18:50 IST
( Image credit : AP )
Jimmy Butler's pelvic contusion, sustained during a collision with Amen Thompson in Wednesday's loss to the Rockets, casts a shadow over the Warriors' playoff hopes. An MRI is scheduled to determine the severity of the injury and his availability for Game 3.
The Golden State Warriors may be facing a major setback in their playoff push after forward Jimmy Butler suffered a pelvic contusion during the first quarter of Wednesday night’s 109-94 loss to the Houston Rockets.
Butler’s injury occurred late in the opening quarter when Rockets guard Amen Thompson was pushed into Butler’s legs during a rebound attempt. The two players collided mid-air and crashed to the floor in a hard fall, with Butler remaining down significantly longer. Though he managed to get back on his feet and shoot free throws hitting one of two he was soon subbed out and escorted to the locker room. He did not return for the remainder of the game.
According to Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, Butler is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Thursday to determine the extent of the injury and whether he will be available for Game 3 on Saturday.
Kerr added that he does not believe the incident involved any foul play on Thompson’s part, describing the collision as “just one of those plays” that happen during the physicality of the game.
Before exiting, Butler had contributed three points and two rebounds. His absence was felt throughout the game, as the Warriors struggled to maintain rhythm and energy without one of their top performers. In Game 1, Butler had delivered a strong performance with 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, helping lead Golden State to a 95-85 win.
With the series now tied 1-1, Butler’s status for Game 3 looms large. Kerr was candid about not yet having a contingency plan in place.
In another health update for the Warriors, guard Brandin Podziemski, who missed much of the first half due to a stomach ailment, made his return in the third quarter. Kerr revealed that Podziemski’s illness was likely caused by something he ate, and he was given an IV treatment during halftime to recover enough to play.
As the Warriors prepare to regroup, all eyes will be on the results of Butler’s MRI and how the team adapts if he’s ruled out. With the next game just days away, time is of the essence for Golden State to formulate a backup strategy should their star forward be sidelined.
Butler’s injury occurred late in the opening quarter when Rockets guard Amen Thompson was pushed into Butler’s legs during a rebound attempt. The two players collided mid-air and crashed to the floor in a hard fall, with Butler remaining down significantly longer. Though he managed to get back on his feet and shoot free throws hitting one of two he was soon subbed out and escorted to the locker room. He did not return for the remainder of the game.
According to Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, Butler is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Thursday to determine the extent of the injury and whether he will be available for Game 3 on Saturday.
Kerr added that he does not believe the incident involved any foul play on Thompson’s part, describing the collision as “just one of those plays” that happen during the physicality of the game.
Before exiting, Butler had contributed three points and two rebounds. His absence was felt throughout the game, as the Warriors struggled to maintain rhythm and energy without one of their top performers. In Game 1, Butler had delivered a strong performance with 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, helping lead Golden State to a 95-85 win.
With the series now tied 1-1, Butler’s status for Game 3 looms large. Kerr was candid about not yet having a contingency plan in place.
In another health update for the Warriors, guard Brandin Podziemski, who missed much of the first half due to a stomach ailment, made his return in the third quarter. Kerr revealed that Podziemski’s illness was likely caused by something he ate, and he was given an IV treatment during halftime to recover enough to play.
As the Warriors prepare to regroup, all eyes will be on the results of Butler’s MRI and how the team adapts if he’s ruled out. With the next game just days away, time is of the essence for Golden State to formulate a backup strategy should their star forward be sidelined.