Warriors vs. Heat: Is Jimmy Butler Playing Tonight?

Is Jimmy Butler Playing Tonight?

The Warriors announced via the official injury report that Butler will not suit up against his former team. He has been ruled out due to a lower back strain on his right side.

After Tuesday's loss to the Magic, Butler already hinted at his absence for the Heat game. When asked whether he planned to play, he said, "Who knows?" The 36-year-old also stated that he plans to see how he feels when he wakes up in the morning.

Butler, who joined the Warriors in February following a blockbuster trade deal from the Heat, will miss just his second game of the season on Wednesday night. In 15 appearances thus far, the five-time All-NBA forward has produced averages of 20.1 points on 53.5% shooting, 5.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.0 triples in 31.3 minutes per contest.

It is worth noting that Steph Curry (right ankle soreness), Draymond Green (illness), Al Horford (left toe injury management) and Jonathan Kuminga (bilateral knee patellar tendonitis) have all been ruled out against the Heat as well, leaving the Warriors extremely shorthanded. Buddy Hield (illness), on the other hand, has been cleared to play.

The Warriors enter the Heat game with a 9-7 record. They are looking to secure their fourth win in this six-game road stand. Golden State gets the day off on Thursday before returning to action in a home game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday.