Jimmy Butler ’s MRI result has been shared by NBA insider Shams Charania. The Golden State Warriors are facing a huge crisis in their first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets. After splitting the first two games, the Warriors find themselves in a deeper bind than the 1-1 series tie suggests. That’s because Jimmy Butler, a midseason acquisition who revitalized the team’s playoff hopes, may not be available for Game 3 in San Francisco.
Jimmy Butler’s diagnosis was revealed after an MRI
Jimmy Butler exited Game 2 in the first quarter after suffering a pelvic injury during a chaotic rebound scramble. As Rockets’ guard Amen Thompson drove to chase his own missed shot, he got tangled with Steven Adams and fell forward, clipping Butler’s legs from behind.
Though Butler’s injury looked concerning in real time, a recent update provided some relief. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Butler has been diagnosed with a deep glute muscle contusion . It is a painful injury, but one without long-term structural damage. Butler’s official status is day-to-day, and his Game 3 appearance remains uncertain. “Golden State's Jimmy Butler has been diagnosed with a deep glute muscle contusion and his status for Game 3 against the Houston Rockets is in serious jeopardy, league sources tell ESPN. This is best case because MRI showed Butler avoided any fracture or structural damage,” Charania wrote on X.
The Athletic’s Anthony Slater confirmed the news on X, “Can confirm the Jimmy Butler MRI revealed no structural damage. Deep glute bruise that will be managed on a constant basis in lead up to Saturday night’s Game 3. Source described his status as a true questionable depending on response to treatment. ESPN first to report.”
The timing couldn’t be worse for Golden State. Butler’s presence has been very important since joining the team. He helped spark a massive turnaround post-All-Star break, pushing the Warriors from playoff longshots to legitimate postseason contenders. Without him, the Warriors went just 25-27 during the regular season.
In Butler’s absence during Game 2, Golden State struggled offensively. The Rockets tightened their defense and capitalized on the lack of another playmaker besides Steph Curry. Jalen Green took full advantage, exploding for 38 points to even the series. While Curry shouldered the burden, the lack of support was evident as Kerr experimented with bench rotations that yielded little return.
The Warriors could look to Jonathan Kuminga for offensive support in Game 3. The talented forward was benched in Game 1 but is expected to play a larger role if Butler is unavailable.
Also Read: “Playoff Jimmy is real” – NBA legend Dwyane Wade’s latest remark on Jimmy Butler proves why Golden State Warriors need him to win championship
If Butler plays, he may be limited. But even a less-than-100% Butler could tilt the series in favor of the Warriors. As the Warriors brace for Saturday night, their fate may rest on whether their newest star can battle through the pain or Kerr goes for another star.
Jimmy Butler’s diagnosis was revealed after an MRI
Jimmy Butler exited Game 2 in the first quarter after suffering a pelvic injury during a chaotic rebound scramble. As Rockets’ guard Amen Thompson drove to chase his own missed shot, he got tangled with Steven Adams and fell forward, clipping Butler’s legs from behind.
Though Butler’s injury looked concerning in real time, a recent update provided some relief. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Butler has been diagnosed with a deep glute muscle contusion . It is a painful injury, but one without long-term structural damage. Butler’s official status is day-to-day, and his Game 3 appearance remains uncertain. “Golden State's Jimmy Butler has been diagnosed with a deep glute muscle contusion and his status for Game 3 against the Houston Rockets is in serious jeopardy, league sources tell ESPN. This is best case because MRI showed Butler avoided any fracture or structural damage,” Charania wrote on X.
Golden State's Jimmy Butler has been diagnosed with a deep glute muscle contusion and his status for Game 3 against the Houston Rockets is in serious jeopardy, league sources tell ESPN. This is best case because MRI showed Butler avoided any fracture or structural damage. pic.twitter.com/nTEjv4QKp7
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 25, 2025
The Athletic’s Anthony Slater confirmed the news on X, “Can confirm the Jimmy Butler MRI revealed no structural damage. Deep glute bruise that will be managed on a constant basis in lead up to Saturday night’s Game 3. Source described his status as a true questionable depending on response to treatment. ESPN first to report.”
Can confirm the Jimmy Butler MRI revealed no structural damage. Deep glute bruise that will be managed on a constant basis in lead up to Saturday night’s Game 3. Source described his status as a true questionable depending on response to treatment.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) April 25, 2025
ESPN first to report.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Golden State. Butler’s presence has been very important since joining the team. He helped spark a massive turnaround post-All-Star break, pushing the Warriors from playoff longshots to legitimate postseason contenders. Without him, the Warriors went just 25-27 during the regular season.
In Butler’s absence during Game 2, Golden State struggled offensively. The Rockets tightened their defense and capitalized on the lack of another playmaker besides Steph Curry. Jalen Green took full advantage, exploding for 38 points to even the series. While Curry shouldered the burden, the lack of support was evident as Kerr experimented with bench rotations that yielded little return.
The Warriors could look to Jonathan Kuminga for offensive support in Game 3. The talented forward was benched in Game 1 but is expected to play a larger role if Butler is unavailable.
Also Read: “Playoff Jimmy is real” – NBA legend Dwyane Wade’s latest remark on Jimmy Butler proves why Golden State Warriors need him to win championship
If Butler plays, he may be limited. But even a less-than-100% Butler could tilt the series in favor of the Warriors. As the Warriors brace for Saturday night, their fate may rest on whether their newest star can battle through the pain or Kerr goes for another star.
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