Jimmy Butler Expected to Return for Warriors in Game 4

SAN FRANCISCO — Warriors star Jimmy Butler is expected to play in Monday night’s Game 4 against the Houston Rockets, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Butler, who is listed as questionable due to a pelvic contusion and gluteal muscle injury, participated fully in the team shootaround earlier in the day.

Butler sustained his injury late in the first quarter of Game 2 after a hard fall while jumping for a rebound. He was undercut by Houston’s Amen Thompson, which led him to miss the rest of that game. After only playing eight minutes in Game 2, the Warriors lost to the Rockets, 109-94.

In Butler’s absence during Game 3, the Warriors secured a 104-93 victory, with his teammate scoring 36 points. “Hopefully, he’s back next game,” Steph Curry said. “We can still play at a high level and win tough playoff games, but we know we need Jimmy to win 14 more of these.”

Butler’s importance to the team cannot be overstated. Since his arrival in February, the Warriors have a record of 23-8, and they’ve shown significant improvement in defensive metrics. Despite missing Game 3, the Warriors lead the series 2-1.

As for other injuries, both Curry and Gary Payton II are also listed as available, though they have been managing their own issues. The Warriors are optimistic about Butler’s condition and are prepared for a competitive Game 4.

“Everything in his power, he’s been doing treatment and workouts on the court over the last 24 hours,” Charania noted. “The mobility is getting there for him, and the team expects Butler to return tonight.”

The game is set to tip-off at 7 p.m. at the Chase Center, with pregame coverage beginning at 6 p.m. on NBC Sports Bay Area.