Golden State Warriors star Jimmy Butler will not play in tonight’s preseason matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers. Butler suffered an ankle sprain during practice on Friday, according to Anthony Slater.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr said the injury is minor but remains slightly swollen. The team hopes Butler will be available for Friday’s preseason finale.
Butler has averaged 17.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in 25 games with Golden State during the 2024–25 season. In preseason action, he posted 12 points in 17 minutes against Portland on October 8 and 9 points in 15 minutes versus the Lakers on October 6.
Golden State enters tonight’s game with a 2–1 preseason record, having won their first two games at home and lost in their latest outing against the Lakers. Brandin Podziemski, Trayce Jackson-Davis, and Moses Moody have led scoring in the early preseason games.
Butler, a four-time All-Star, has been a key figure in Golden State’s lineup, averaging 19.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists in 11 games last season after joining the team. His absence tonight allows other players to get extended minutes and continue building chemistry ahead of the 2025–26 season.
Tonight’s game at the Moda Center also serves as a chance for younger players to gain experience.
