Jimmy Butler’s knee injury downplayed during MRI

The The Golden State Warriors are dealing with multiple key injuries as they wrap up their three-game east coast road trip, including MR evaluation for Jimmy Butler III painful left knee. The team, currently 11-12, plays the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday and the Chicago Bulls on Sunday, and Butler has already been shutout in the first half of back-to-back games.

The Athletic’s Nick Friedel reported Friday that Butler underwent an MRI after experiencing continued knee soreness from a foul call in last Saturday’s win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Butler overcame discomfort in that game to start Tuesday’s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, but did not appear in the second half.

Friedel wrote on Friday:

“Warriors swingman Jimmy Butler had an MRI on his sore left knee and did not play against the 76ers on Thursday night. Butler initially fouled out in Saturday’s win over the New Orleans Pelicans, but worked through the pain. He started in Tuesday’s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder but did not return after halftime. He does not appear to be concerned about the injury, but it remains unclear exactly when Butler will return to the floor, given that Saturday and Sunday they have back-to-back games against the Cleveland Cavaliers and Chicago Bulls.

Jimmy Butler’s knee setback adds to the uncertainty as the Warriors deal with mounting injuries

Despite the MRI and ongoing evaluations, the internal mood of the organization remains upbeat, according to Friedel, although Butler’s return timeline is not yet known.

The 36-year-old forward has been instrumental in Golden State’s production through 20 games, averaging 19.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, five assists and 1.6 steals in 30.9 minutes. He shot efficiently from the field at 51.9% from the field, 43.9% from three and 85.7% from the free throw line. His last appearance was on Tuesday at 124–112 loss to Oklahoma Citywhere he finished with six points, three rebounds and one assist in 15 minutes.

ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported Friday that Butler will miss Saturday’s game against Cleveland, which tips off at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBA TV.

Butler’s absence complicates the Warriors’ ongoing injury challenges. Stephen Curry has missed every game since Nov. 26 after suffering a left quad injury and muscle strain in a 104–100 loss to the Houston Rockets. Curry is now sidelined for a week, and the team has not indicated a clear timetable for his return.

Golden State is also following Draymond Green’s availability after leaving Thursday’s 99-98 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers with an injury to the right foot. Friedel reported that Green left the arena wearing the boots after the game.

The unclear status of Draymond Green adds to the pressure

Friedel wrote:

“Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green left XFiniti Mobile Arena wearing a boot after injuring his right foot during Thursday night’s 99-98 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.”

Green said after the game that he had an MRI on his foot. His status for the final two road games is unclear.

The 35-year-old, who has struggled with his right foot at various points during the season, was in good spirits as he left the arena but was unsure how long he would have to be sidelined. He injured his foot again in the second quarter, limped back to the locker room, and did not return to the floor after halftime. Before the injury, he scored three points in nine minutes.

“I don’t know if what happened tonight is related to the other night,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “But obviously we’re going to be very careful with him and see how he does in Cleveland.”

With Butler sidelined and Curry and Green uncertain, Golden State enters the weekend trying to stabilize its rotation while closing the road against two teams above .500.