Jimmy Butler Injury Update: Will Warriors' Star Return In NBA Playoffs Game 3 Vs. Rockets?

Written By Eli Hershkovich | Published at April 26, 2025

NBA bettors have one concern in mind this weekend. Will Jimmy Butler play in Game 3 of the Warriors' first-round NBA playoff series against the Rockets? Below is an injury update on Butler and the latest on his absence, including betting information on the Warriors vs. Rockets. The action resumes on Saturday, April 26, at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

NBA playoffs Bonus bets are available now

Sift through the best sportsbook promos and bonus codes from the best sports betting sites below!

Sportsbook

Bonus

Features

Bet

Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win

Wide coverage of US and international sports
Linked to MGM Rewards loyalty program
Regular odds boosts and promos

Bet Now BetMGM Review

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

New Customers: Bet $5+ Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly

Wide coverage of US and international sports
High-quality iOS and Android apps
Very fast withdrawal times

Bet Now DraftKings Review

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/PR/WY). Void in NH/OR/ONT/PR. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Min. $5 first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Plus, upon qualifying bet placement, get 1 100% Profit Boost Token, valid only for a NCAA Tournament Winner bet. Max. Bet: $10. Profit Boost Tokens are single-use and expire on 4/6/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Must select Token BEFORE placing bet. Boost only applies to winnings. Ends 4/6/26 11:59 PM ET. Terms: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook

Double Your Winnings on Your First 10 Bets! $50 Max Bets

Only sportsbook legal in Florida
Hot Bets feature
Live NFL streaming

Bet Now Hard Rock Bet Review

To be eligible, the Player must be at least 21 years old, physically located in an Eligible Jurisdiction: AZ, CO, IL, IN, MI, NJ, OH, TN, or VA, and not on any exclusionary lists in any Eligible Jurisdiction. Excluded patrons are prohibited from participating in Promotions. To be eligible all personal and contact data associated to your account must be verifiable. GAMBLING PROBLEM Arizona Customers: Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP or Text NEXTSTEP to 53342. Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, and Virginia Customers: Call 1-800-GAMBLER Indiana Customers: Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT Tennessee Customers: Call or text the Tennessee REDLINE: 1-800-889-9789

Get $300 Back in Bonus Bets Every Day For 10 Days

Offers one of the best same-game parlays
Highly rated mobile app
Impressive sports coverage

Bet Now FanDuel Review

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG Help . Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit Helpline and Chat – CONNECTICUT COUNCIL (CT). Hope is here. MA Gambling Helpline or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit Home (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 21+ (18+ D.C., KY, WY) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at FanDuel Sportsbook

Bet $50, Get $300 in FanCash

Unique FanCash loyalty program
Variety of bonuses and ongoing promos
Fast, reliable app with live betting and streaming

Bet Now Fanatics Review

Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-522-4700, Home (MD), (800)-327-5050 or MA Gambling Helpline (MA), Call (877)8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), or Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), (888) 789-7777 or CONNECTICUT COUNCIL – ON PROBLEM GAMBLING (CT), or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), If gambling is more than a game, free help is available . . . - NCDHHS Problem Gambling (NC). New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, or WY. Must opt-in and wager $10+ cash on any market with odds of -500 or longer to receive $100 in FanCash each day for your first 3 days (issued when qualifying wager settles). Your 3 days begin the day you establish your account. FanCash rewards expire at 11:59 p.m. ET 7 days from issuance. Terms, including FanCash terms, apply - see Fanatics Sportsbook app.

rockets vs. warriors game 3 odds: spread, moneyline, total

When will warriors' jimmy butler return vs. rockets?

Although Warriors' star forward avoided a serious injury, his status for Game 3 against Houston is undetermined.

On Friday, Golden State announced that Butler's MRI confirmed a pelvis and deep gluteal muscle contusion, and his status for Saturday’s game at Chase Center is "questionable."

This news followed Thursday's report from ESPN's Shams Charania that Butler sustained a deep glute muscle contusion and his availability for Saturday’s game at Chase Center is in “serious jeopardy.” He also noted that Butler’s MRI disclosed no pelvic fractures or structural damage.

Butler initially sustained the injury after taking a hard fall on a foul by Rockets guard Amen Thompson late in the first quarter of Game 2. He missed the rest of the Warriors’ 109-94 loss.

After Friday's update on Butler was released, the Game 3 point spread rose from Golden State -2.5 to . Hence, the betting market is more optimistic about Butler suiting up. If he doesn't play, expect this line to shrink closer to Warriors -2.

How long will jimmy butler remain out in NBA playoffs?

Not only is Butler's status uncertain, but even if he plays in Game 3, his minutes load will be up in the air.

Butler produced 17.9 points, 5.9 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game in 30 regular-season contests for the Warriors after the deadline trade that sent him over from the Miami Heat. More importantly, before he arrived, the Warriors were 25-26 and had the No. 10 defensive rating in the league.

Since Feb. 8, when Butler made his Warriors debut, Golden State is 24-9 with the NBA's No. 1 defensive rating.

I believe Butler will play since the injury is seemingly geared toward pain management. If this notion comes to fruition, the Warriors' defense should rebound at home in Game 3, with the youthful Rockets dealing with a hostile road environment for the first time in many of their careers.