Warriors Welcome Back Jimmy Butler for Game 4 Against the Rockets

The Golden State Warriors are set to welcome Jimmy Butler back to the court on Monday. After a rough fall in Game 2 of their first-round series against the Houston Rockets, Butler was sidelined with a pelvic contusion. Despite his absence, the Warriors rebounded with a 104-93 victory in Game 3 on Saturday. Now ahead 2-1 in the series, the team is eager to have Butler return to the starting lineup, as announced by the team.

In the days leading up to Game 4, Butler’s participation was uncertain. Head coach Steve Kerr mentioned before the game, “We’re hopeful that he’ll play, but he needs to warm up first.” Thankfully, Butler will not have any restrictions on his playing time.

Butler’s workload has been impressive this season, playing 42 minutes in Game 1, a key role in the Warriors’ play-in victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, and putting in 48 minutes during their overtime clash against the Los Angeles Clippers at the season’s end. On Sunday, Kerr discussed with the team’s director of sports medicine, Rick Celebrini, whether Butler could handle heavy minutes post-injury. Celebrini expressed uncertainty, noting that it would depend on how Butler feels during action.

Butler’s return simplifies Golden State’s strategy, particularly on offense. Kerr shared after the play-in game that Butler had “completely changed everything for us” since arriving at the trade deadline.

“With Steph [Curry], we’ve got great movement and flow,” Kerr explained, “but now, we’re also an excellent isolation team for part of the game.”

However, if Butler can’t manage 40-plus minutes, the coaching staff will need to juggle the rotation. Should Jonathan Kuminga be removed from the lineup again? Could Quinten Post, who started Game 3, see major playing time?

Kerr plans to stick with the lineup that performed well during the regular season. While Post bolstered the team’s rim protection and rebounding in Game 3, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him in critical moments. Should Butler or his minutes be limited, the Warriors will need to make adjustments again.