SAN FRANCISCO — Jimmy Butler, the Golden State Warriors’ midseason pickup and six-time All-Star, is slated to lace up for Game 4 against the Houston Rockets on April 28, 2025, after sitting out Game 3 with a nagging pelvic contusion. The news, confirmed through official team channels, marks a critical boost for the Warriors as they look to tighten their grip on a bruising first-round playoff series that’s already seen its share of hard falls and high stakes.
Butler’s injury came during a chaotic moment in Game 2 on April 23, when he crashed to the Toyota Center floor after Houston’s Amen Thompson inadvertently undercut him on a rebound attempt. The Warriors forward, known for his grit and knack for elevating in the postseason, landed squarely on his tailbone, grimacing in pain before limping to the free-throw line. He sank one of two shots, then hobbled straight to the locker room, ruled out for the night with what the team initially called a pelvic contusion. An MRI the next day in San Francisco revealed a deep gluteal muscle contusion, but no fractures or structural damage—a sigh of relief for a Warriors squad leaning heavily on Butler’s two-way prowess.
The Warriors, who snagged a 104-93 win in Game 3 without Butler thanks to a vintage 36-point outburst from Stephen Curry, have been tight-lipped but optimistic about their star’s recovery. Butler, true to his reputation as a tough-as-nails competitor, was a full participant in the team’s shootaround on April 28, pushing through treatment and on-court workouts to test his mobility. Team officials, after monitoring his progress, announced he’s expected to suit up for the pivotal Game 4 at Chase Center, with the series sitting at 2-1 in Golden State’s favor.
Butler’s return couldn’t come at a better time. The Rockets, powered by Jalen Green’s 38-point explosion in Game 2, have leaned into their physicality, turning the series into a gritty, foul-heavy slugfest. Butler, who dropped 25 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and five steals in the Warriors’ Game 1 victory, brings a calming presence to an offense that sputtered without him. His ability to shoulder the scoring load alongside Curry, while locking down opponents from point guards to bigs, has been a game-changer since his trade from Miami in February.
In his absence, the Warriors turned to Jonathan Kuminga, who stepped into the starting lineup for Game 3, and Quinten Post, a backup center who logged 12 rebounds in 27 minutes. Both held their own, but Butler’s blend of playoff savvy and defensive versatility is irreplaceable. The team’s medical staff, led by Rick Celebrini, has taken a cautious approach, prioritizing Butler’s long-term health over a rushed return. Still, with two days of rest between Games 3 and 4, the green light for Butler signals confidence in his ability to play through the pain.
Game 4 tips off Monday night at Chase Center, with the Warriors aiming to push the Rockets to the brink of elimination. Butler’s stat line from Game 1: 25 points, 10-of-19 shooting, seven rebounds, six assists, five steals, 42 minutes played. His Game 2 numbers before exiting: three points, two rebounds, eight minutes. The series stands at 2-1, with Game 5 scheduled for April 30 in Houston if necessary.