Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler is set to return to the team's starting lineup for Game 4 tonight against the Houston Rockets.
The team announced Butler will be available for the matchup Monday after missing Game 3 of the first-round series.
Butler sustained a pelvic contusion early in Game 2 when he crashed to the floor following a collision with Rockets player Amen Thompson. The Warriors lost Game 2 but secured a 104-93 win in Game 3 without him, taking a 2-1 lead in the series.
The decision for Butler to sit out Game 3 reportedly involved Rick Celebrini, the Warriors' director of sports medicine and performance. Head coach Steve Kerr indicated before Game 4 that the team was hopeful Butler would play after his pregame warm-up.
Kerr also noted that Butler is not expected to be under a minutes restriction for this Warriors game. Butler played extensive minutes in previous recent contests, including a 48-minute appearance in the regular season finale.
Butler's presence makes the Warriors' offense more versatile. Kerr previously stated Butler has "completely changed everything for us" since joining the team, allowing them to operate as both a motion-based offense around Stephen Curry and an effective isolation team.
With Butler back, the team must adjust its rotation again. While Quinten Post provided rim protection and rebounding in Game 3 as a starter, Kerr indicated the starting unit used in the first two games would return, reflecting confidence in the lineups that worked during the regular season.
Other players like Jonathan Kuminga or Gary Payton II could see their roles shift depending on how the game unfolds and Butler's effectiveness. The coaching staff will need to read the game and make adjustments.
The Rockets vs Warriors series continues as one of several NBA games today. The Golden State Warriors aim to take a commanding lead with their key player back on the floor.
