The Golden State Warriors find themselves in a tough spot, as they are attempting to keep themselves alive long enough against the Minnesota Timberwolves in order to allow superstar guard Stephen Curry to get back on the court. The problem, as Jimmy Butler recently noted, is that he is still dealing with his own injury issues.
In the Warriors first-round series against the Houston Rockets, Butler suffered a pelvis injury that forced him out of Game 2 early and eventually resulted in him missing Game 3. Butler would return to the court for Game 4, but it was clear that he was not 100% healthy.
Curry suffered a hamstring strain in Game 1 that is set to hold him out through at least Game 4, and potentially longer. That has put more of a burden on Butler's shoulders, and after their blowout Game 2 loss vs. the Timberwolves, Butler admitted that he still isn't fully healthy after suffering his aforementioned injury against Houston.
"For sure," Butler said when asked if he's still feeling the aftereffects of his pelvis injury. "But believe it or not, dominos, coffee, and kids make it all better."
Jimmy Butler said he’s still feeling the impact of that hard fall in Houston: “For sure.” pic.twitter.com/LTCPUmLwXm
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) May 9, 2025
Since returning to action, Butler is averaging 19.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game while shooting 42.4% from the floor for the Warriors. And yet, if he doesn't step up his game in Curry's absence, Golden State could be playing on borrowed time.
With Curry out again for Game 3, the Warriors are going to need an inspired effort from Butler in order to have a shot at taking down the Timberwolves. Tip-off is scheduled for Saturday, May 10 at 8:30 p.m. ET.