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[Saba Sports News] The Golden State Warriors may be without Jimmy Butler for at least part of their first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Butler has been diagnosed with a deep glute muscle contusion following his scary fall in Game 2. His availability for Game 3 on Saturday is reportedly in “serious jeopardy.” However, the diagnosis was considered a “best-case scenario,” as an MRI confirmed Butler avoided any fractures or structural damage.
The injury occurred in the first quarter of Wednesday’s 109-94 loss to Houston. While going up for a defensive rebound, Butler was undercut by Rockets forward Amen Thompson and fell hard on his tailbone. He did not return to the game after the incident.
Butler, a six-time All-Star, was acquired by Golden State in a blockbuster trade this past February. Prior to his arrival, the Warriors were below .500, but they surged to a 23-8 finish with Butler in the lineup, closing out the regular season at 48-34.
After stealing Game 1 on the road, the Warriors now return home with the series tied 1-1—but they may have to push forward without their two-way leader for the next crucial stretch.