NBA insider reveals Jimmy Butler's diagnosis after MRI amid hopes for Game 3 return
Jimmy Butler. mage via: Ezra Shaw/ Getty Images
Jimmy Butler's MRI result has been shared by NBA insider Shams Charania. The Golden State Warriors are facing a huge crisis in their first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets. After splitting the first two games, the Warriors find themselves in a deeper bind than the 1-1 series tie suggests. That's because
Jimmy Butler
, a midseason acquisition who revitalized the team's playoff hopes, may not be available for Game 3 in San Francisco.
Jimmy Butler's diagnosis was revealed after an MRI
Jimmy Butler exited Game 2 in the first quarter after suffering a pelvic injury during a chaotic rebound scramble. As Rockets' guard Amen Thompson drove to chase his own missed shot, he got tangled with Steven Adams and fell forward, clipping Butler's legs from behind.
Though Butler's injury looked concerning in real time, a recent update provided some relief. ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Butler has been diagnosed with a deep glute muscle contusion. It is a painful injury, but one without long-term structural damage. Butler's official status is day-to-day, and his Game 3 appearance remains uncertain. 'Golden State's Jimmy Butler has been diagnosed with a
deep glute muscle contusion
and his status for Game 3 against the Houston Rockets is in serious jeopardy, league sources tell ESPN. This is best case because MRI showed Butler avoided any fracture or structural damage,' Charania wrote on X.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
'"100"'억 기부한 남자, 그의 충격적 정체는?
한국재능나눔협회
더 알아보기
Undo
The Athletic's Anthony Slater confirmed the news on X, 'Can confirm the Jimmy Butler MRI revealed no structural damage. Deep glute bruise that will be managed on a constant basis in lead up to Saturday night's Game 3. Source described his status as a true questionable depending on response to treatment. ESPN first to report.'
The timing couldn't be worse for Golden State. Butler's presence has been very important since joining the team. He helped spark a massive turnaround post-All-Star break, pushing the Warriors from playoff longshots to legitimate postseason contenders. Without him, the Warriors went just 25-27 during the regular season.
In Butler's absence during Game 2, Golden State struggled offensively. The Rockets tightened their defense and capitalized on the lack of another playmaker besides Steph Curry. Jalen Green took full advantage, exploding for 38 points to even the series. While Curry shouldered the burden, the lack of support was evident as Kerr experimented with bench rotations that yielded little return.
The Warriors could look to Jonathan Kuminga for offensive support in Game 3. The talented forward was benched in Game 1 but is expected to play a larger role if Butler is unavailable.
Also Read:
'Playoff Jimmy is real' – NBA legend Dwyane Wade's latest remark on Jimmy Butler proves why Golden State Warriors need him to win championship
If Butler plays, he may be limited. But even a less-than-100% Butler could tilt the series in favor of the Warriors. As the Warriors brace for Saturday night, their fate may rest on whether their newest star can battle through the pain or Kerr goes for another star.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
John Brenkus cause of death: How did Sport Science founder die? All on health issues and more
John Brenkus, one of the founders and former host of Fox Sports and ESPN television series Sports Science, has died, his family announced on social media. In a statement posted on his Instagram account, they further added that Brenkus had a long battle with depression. He was 54 years old. 'It is with profound sadness that we share the news that John Brenkus has passed away. John, co-founder of Base Productions, founder of and co-creator and host of the 6-time Emmy Award-winning Sports Science, had been battling depression. John lost his fight with this terrible illness on May 31st, 2025,' the statement read. 'His heartbroken family and friends request privacy at this time, and encourage anyone who is struggling with depression to seek help,' it further added. The statement posted on Brenkus's social media accounts did not mention the exact cause of death. There are no indications of physical health issues, accidents, or foul play contributing to his death. Brenkus was open about his battle with depression, particularly in a January 2023 interview with Marcellus Wiley on Never Shut Up. He revealed spiraling into a 'deep, deep depression' after selling Sport Science to ESPN in 2010, feeling 'mentally lost' and becoming 'flat-out suicidal.' His dog intervened during a suicide attempt, prompting him to call his mother for help. This experience led him to seek treatment from multiple psychologists and psychiatrists. Despite his advocacy for mental health, Brenkus's depression persisted. He continued to discuss his struggles publicly, aiming to destigmatize mental illness, especially for men in high-pressure fields like sports media. Born in 1971 in Vienna, Virginia, Brenkus co-founded BASE Productions and created Sport Science, which debuted on Fox Sports Net in 2007 and moved to ESPN in 2010. The show, earning six Sports Emmy Awards, analyzed athletic feats through science, hosting over 1,800 segments with stars like Drew Brees. In 2013, he founded producing shows like The Goat Code, described as 'Sport Science on steroids'.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Arizona's victory overshadowed by Corbin Burnes injury scare—manager provides concerning elbow update postgame
Corbin Burnes leaves early with elbow injury as Diamondbacks down Nationals in close 3-1 game (AP Photos) The Arizona Diamondbacks finally ended their four-game losing streak on Sunday with a 3-1 win over the Washington Nationals, powered by a first-inning blast from Eugenio Suárez. But the celebration at Chase Field was short-lived as concern quickly shifted to star pitcher Corbin Burnes, who exited the game in the fifth inning due to right elbow discomfort. Diamondbacks defeat Nationals, but all eyes on Corbin Burnes Arizona came out swinging early. Ketel Marte sparked the offense with a leadoff single, later scoring on a double from Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Suárez followed it up with a towering 466-foot home run to center field — his 15th of the season — tying him with Kyle Schwarber for the fifth-longest homer this year. Only Mike Trout has gone deeper in 2024, with a 484-foot shot back in April. But the Diamondbacks' offense cooled off after that explosive first inning — they didn't record another hit for the rest of the game. Fortunately, Burnes had given them enough cushion before his early departure. Through 4 2/3 innings, Burnes struck out six and allowed just one earned run, keeping the Nationals at bay. However, after his 70th pitch and with CJ Abrams on base, Burnes signaled to the dugout and appeared to say 'My elbow' to a teammate before walking off the mound. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Los jubilados nacidos antes del 1970 tienen derecho a estos nuevos aparatos acústicos Top Audifonos Undo The sight left fans at Chase Field stunned and the team in a state of concern. 'He had discomfort in his right elbow and will have an MRI on Monday,' manager Torey Lovullo informed reporters postgame. The skipper also confirmed that Burnes would remain in Arizona while the team hits the road for a series in Atlanta. 'We're remaining as optimistic as possible,' Lovullo added, although the full extent of the injury remains unknown until test results come in. This season marks Burnes' debut year with Arizona after signing a massive six-year, $210 million deal in the offseason. So far, he's lived up to the billing, posting an impressive 2.66 ERA and tallying 63 strikeouts in just over 64 innings pitched. His potential absence would be a major blow to the Diamondbacks' rotation — and their postseason hopes. For now, Arizona gets a much-needed win. But with Burnes' status in limbo, it's a bittersweet victory that leaves more questions than answers. Also Read: Colorado Rockies rewrite the record books in the worst way possible, become first team since 1884 to reach 50 losses this quickly
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
'ESPN's gonna f**k the showup'- Sportswriter Bill Simmons doubts ESPN taking over Inside the NBA from TNT
With Inside the NBA ending its broadcast on and moving to ESPN, a wide range of emotions has been expressed among fans, basketball players, teams, and NBA legends, who have long been associated with the game. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now While fans are excited to see how the shift turns out, American sportswriter, author and film producer, Bill Simmons believes otherwise. Bill Simmons has his doubts about Inside the NBA broadcast on ESPN Faces like Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley, who have been long associated with Inside the NBA on TNT. Things were different, so was their approach. A more open and welcoming discussion on the NBA was how things turned out. But, Bill Simmons feels things will eventually change, even as everybody is excited to see how change is turning out. Simmons, during the latest episode of his podcast said, 'I think ESPN's gonna f**k the show up.' He added, 'Unless they completely change how they do commercials, the show is gonna be different, people are gonna be pissed and Barkley and those guys are gonna be pissed and I think it's going to go badly. The only way it doesn't go badly is if they do the commercials and they give them the lengthy segments that you need to have that show work. They're going to have to change how they do it." "They just paid so much for the NBA that if they don't do that and they do the same short, terrible segments that you're about to see in the Finals where it's like a one and a half minute halftime and it's like a 20 minute pregame, they do that they're going to f**k the show up and everybody's going to be mad," Simmons added. Further, Simmons added, 'Whoever is running ESPN has not cared for this entire century about this. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This is something they knew was a problem and they just didn't care. They just cashed the checks from the commercials. They did not care about the quality of any show they have.' Also Read: On Saturday, Inside the NBA was concluded by the NBA Legends, who told the fans that nothing will change, and they can expect the same level of enthusiasm. While it was an emotional moment for all, the NBA Legends also shared loving memories from 40 years of the broadcast of Inside the NBA, the legendary show that was once a part of TNT.
