Mar 25, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) dribbles the basketball against the Miami Heat during the first quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Warriors Announce Jimmy Butler Injury Update Before Grizzlies Game

Originally posted on Golden State Warriors on SI
By Farbod Esnaashari | Last updated Apr 15, 2025 5:29 AM ET

Golden State Warriors fans went through a major scare on Sunday afternoon as star forward Jimmy Butler was limping heavily after being accidentally kneed in the quad by Kawhi Leonard.

Even though Butler had a very noticeable limp on the court after that moment, he downplayed the injury.

"I’ll be all right," Butler said after the game on Sunday. "Drink some coffee, play some dominoes and I’ll feel better.”

Jimmy Butler was limping postgame. Left thigh hurting. Took that knee from Kawhi Leonard late. But he said he plans to play Tuesday vs Grizzlies. Here is his full media availability. pic.twitter.com/zdSKj4frsl
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) April 13, 2025

Fortunately, it looks like Butler's words weren't just lip service, as the Golden State Warriors announced that he will not be listed on the injury report against the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday.

Via @anthonyVslater: "The Warriors have a clear injury report for the play-in game against the Grizzlies tomorrow night. Everyone available. Steph Curry has a sprained right thumb and Jimmy Butler took a Kawhi knee to the thigh, but both will play."

The Warriors have a clear injury report for the play-in game against the Grizzlies tomorrow night. Everyone available. Steph Curry has a sprained right thumb and Jimmy Butler took a Kawhi knee to the thigh, but both will play.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) April 14, 2025

It remains to be seen just how much Butler was impacted by Leonard's knee, but it's essentially do-or-die for the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday against the Grizzlies. If Butler doesn't play against the Grizzlies, then there's a major risk of the team falling deeper into the play-in tournament.

If the Golden State Warriors can defeat the Grizzlies on Tuesday, they'll be facing the Houston Rockets in the first round of the NBA playoffs. A team in which the Warriors have historically dominated during Steph Curry's tenure.

This article first appeared on Golden State Warriors on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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