Jimmy Butler’s left knee issue complicates Warriors’ trip

Dec 5, 2025 3:58 PM

The Golden State Warriors find themselves dealing with a cluster of injuries as they open a three-game road swing.

Stephen Curry has been sidelined due to a quad issue, Draymond Green was seen leaving Thursday’s game in a walking boot, and Jimmy Butler sat out the loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.

It’s a rough stretch physically for the team, though there is some optimism surrounding each situation.

Curry is in the process of recovering, and Green has acknowledged that he has been managing a right foot problem for some time. Butler, meanwhile, has been bothered by discomfort in his left knee for roughly a week.

Despite this, the team and head coach Steve Kerr are not expressing significant worry about his status.

Butler’s knee forced him to exit Tuesday’s matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder at halftime because of soreness.

He subsequently underwent an MRI and was held out against Philadelphia, but the Warriors appear confident the injury won’t linger into the long term.

There was at least some positive news for Golden State: the return of Al Horford and De’Anthony Melton to the rotation against the Sixers.

Their presence will be important, particularly with uncertainty surrounding whether Green or Butler will be able to suit up for either half of the upcoming back-to-back against the Cleveland Cavaliers and Chicago Bulls this weekend.