Jimmy Butler III and the Golden State Warriors can close out their first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets during Wednesday’s Game 5 road matchup. After securing two straight home victories, they lead Houston 3-1 in their best-of-seven battle.
While Butler remains banged up with a pelvic injury, he is expected to power through his discomfort for the second straight outing.
Butler Considered Probable Entering Critical Game 5 Clash Against Rockets
Butler sustained a pelvic contusion late in the first quarter of last Wednesday’s 109-94 Game 2 road loss after being undercut by Rockets wing Amen Thompson. Following his early Game 2 exit, he supported Golden State from the sideline during Saturday’s 104-93 Game 3 home victory.
However, the six-time All-Star returned triumphantly in Game 4 at Chase Center. He logged a team-best 27 points, five rebounds and six assists, shooting 7-for-12 (58.3%) across 40 minutes as his squad prevailed 109-106 in front of its fans.
Despite nursing his pelvic injury, Butler scored the Warriors’ final seven points. He also soared through the air for a clutch rebound in the final seconds. His hustle play ensured his team moved within one game of the second round of the Western Conference playoff bracket.
Entering Game 5, Butler is listed as probable to play, suggesting he will suit up for his fourth contest of the series.
However, Golden State coach Steve Kerr noted after Game 4 that Butler would still be out if not for the high stakes involved.
“If it were the regular season, he’d probably miss another week or two. But it’s the playoffs and he’s Jimmy Butler, so this is what he does,” Kerr said.
How Has Butler Fared in Round 1 against Houston?
Through three postseason appearances with the Warriors, Butler is averaging 18.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.7 steals and 0.7 3-pointers per game, shooting 54.5%.
However, his stats are skewed by his three-point showing in just eight minutes before sustaining his pelvic injury in Game 2. The 14-year veteran has tallied 25-plus points in each of his two full playoff outings.
Butler will look to continue his offensive success against a hungry, defensive-minded Houston squad on its home floor. The second-seeded Rockets (52-30) will look to avoid flaming out in five games against the seventh-seeded Warriors (48-34) in the franchise’s first playoff appearance since 2020.
The teams’ showdown will tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET at Toyota Center on Wednesday and will air nationally on TNT. It will be interesting to see if the Warriors can close out the series or if the young Rockets squad can fight back at home.
