The Golden State Warriors are hoping two days of rest will enable guard Jimmy Butler to return to the lineup for Game 3 of their first-round NBA playoff series against the Houston Rockets.
Butler left Wednesday’s game late in the first quarter and did not return after being undercut on a rebound attempt and landing hard on his tailbone.
Butler was diagnosed with a bruised glute muscle after an MRI on Thursday, but the test showed no structural damage, a person familiar with Butler’s injury told USA TODAY Sports. The person was not authorized to speak publicly on the test results.
Butler wants to play in Game 3 on Saturday, but probably will be listed as questionable on the Warriors’ injury report, the person said.
After the foul by Houston’s Amen Thompson, Butler got up gingerly and limped to the free throw line. He converted one of two foul shots, then left the game and headed straight to the locker room.
‘Hopefully, he’s OK,’ Warriors coach Steve Kerr said after the game. ‘We’ll see. … Jimmy always says he’s going to be fine. But we have to wait and see with the MRI.”
Jimmy Butler status will impact Game 3
Butler was acquired in February from the Miami Heat to give the Warriors a veteran presence with playoff experience, as well as give Stephen Curry some scoring and playmaking support. Butler also is a key defensive cog and, at 35, was expected to give the Warriors a final piece in what could be their last, best run at another NBA title with this group.
However, Kerr said that if Butler is ruled out for Game 3, ‘we’ll have to rethink everything.”
The series, tied at one game apiece, resumes Saturday in San Francisco.
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