The Golden State Warriors announced Thursday morning that Jimmy Butler III will miss their game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center due to left knee soreness — a setback that comes just hours before tip-off. The news wasn’t surprising, but the timing was. Butler, who left Tuesday’s 124-112 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chase Center in San Francisco after limping through the second half, won’t play. Neither will Stephen Curry, sidelined with a left quad contusion. It’s the kind of double blow that could derail a season already teetering on the edge.
What Happened to Jimmy Butler?
Butler first appeared compromised during the Warriors’ 104-96 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday, December 1. He moved stiffly in the closing minutes, and by Tuesday, he was officially listed as questionable. He started anyway — a classic Butler move — but couldn’t finish. He exited with 5:12 left in the third quarter, never to return. Coach Steve Kerr offered no clarity afterward. "I don’t have any further information," he said, a rare moment of silence from a coach who usually speaks in soundbites.
But the real relief came from Anthony Slater, ESPN’s senior NBA writer. On Wednesday, Slater reported, citing sources close to the team, that Butler’s injury "isn’t believed to be serious" and he "should not miss much playing time." That’s the kind of phrase teams use when they’re trying to calm nerves — and it’s working. The Warriors’ official injury report confirmed Butler’s absence alongside Curry and two-way player Alex Toohey (sometimes listed as Alex Tuini), with Al Horford listed with nerve irritation.
Why This Matters More Than Just One Game
Butler’s absence isn’t just about scoring — though he’s second on the team at 19.5 points per game, just behind Curry’s 27.9 in 16 appearances. It’s about identity. He’s the glue guy who locks down opposing stars, initiates offense, and makes the tough plays when the shot clock winds down. Without him, the Warriors’ offense — already ranked 23rd in the league — looks even more stagnant. De’Anthony Melton, back from an ACL tear, is a defensive spark, but he’s not a playmaker. And without Curry, the spacing collapses.
What’s more, this isn’t happening in a vacuum. The Warriors are on a three-game road trip — Philadelphia tonight, Cleveland Saturday, Chicago Sunday — before returning home to face Minnesota. They’re 11-11. This isn’t a playoff team right now. It’s a team trying to figure out who they are. And now, their second-leading scorer is out, their MVP is out, and their bench depth is thin.
The 76ers’ Side: A Mirror Image
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers aren’t exactly healthy either. Joel Embiid is questionable with a lingering ankle issue. Paul George is officially out. And Jonathan Kuminga — who’s actually on the Warriors, not the 76ers — was mistakenly listed in some reports as a 76ers player. That confusion speaks to how messy the injury landscape has become. The 76ers, at 13-9, are still in the East’s top half, but they’re not the juggernaut they were last year. Their offense is also sputtering, and without George, they’re leaning even harder on Embiid.
It’s ironic: two teams with star power, both crippled by injuries. Neither is playing like a contender. The game Thursday won’t decide anything. But it might reveal something about how both franchises are handling their roster challenges.
The Bigger Picture: Trade Constraints and Future Moves
Beneath the surface, there’s a quiet tension brewing. The Warriors are rumored to be eyeing Giannis Antetokounmpo — a franchise-altering move. But here’s the catch: Jonathan Kuminga can’t be traded until January 15, 2026. That means any trade package involving Butler or Brandin Podziemski would have to wait. The Warriors’ ideal scenario — keeping Butler and still making a splash — is now impossible until mid-January. That’s not just a logistical problem. It’s a psychological one. Fans are wondering: Are they building for now, or for later?
And that’s why this knee soreness matters. It’s not just about Butler missing a game. It’s about whether the Warriors can afford to lose him for even a week. Can they survive without him on this road trip? Can they survive without Curry? The answers will shape the next three weeks — and maybe the rest of the season.
What’s Next?
Expect Butler to be re-evaluated Friday. If he’s cleared, he’ll likely return for the game in Cleveland. If not, the Warriors will need someone else to step up — and that’s a tall order. Andrew Wiggins has been inconsistent. Draymond Green is 34. Brandin Podziemski is still learning. The minutes will be stretched thin.
One thing’s certain: the Warriors can’t afford to lose momentum. They’re not in playoff position. They’re not playing like a team that belongs there. And with injuries piling up, every game becomes a test of depth — and character.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Jimmy Butler expected to be out?
Multiple sources, including ESPN’s Anthony Slater, indicate Butler’s left knee soreness isn’t serious and he shouldn’t miss extended time. He’s expected to be re-evaluated within 48 hours, with a strong likelihood he’ll return for the Warriors’ game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 6. Most insiders believe he’ll miss no more than one or two games.
Why is Stephen Curry also out, and how does it impact the team?
Curry is sidelined with a left quad contusion suffered in practice last week. His absence removes the Warriors’ primary scoring engine and playmaker, dropping their offensive rating from marginal to severely challenged. Without Curry and Butler, the team ranks 23rd in offensive efficiency — and their bench lacks the firepower to compensate.
Can the Warriors make a trade before January 15, 2026?
No. Due to NBA trade rules, Jonathan Kuminga — a key asset in any potential deal for Giannis Antetokounmpo — cannot be included in a trade until January 15, 2026. That means any serious trade talks involving Butler or Podziemski must wait. The Warriors’ front office is likely weighing whether to hold onto their core or pivot to rebuilding after the deadline.
How are the 76ers handling their own injury issues?
The 76ers are dealing with their own star absences: Paul George is officially out with a hamstring strain, and Joel Embiid is questionable with ankle soreness. Their offense has slowed without George’s spacing, and they’re relying heavily on Tyrese Maxey. Their matchup against the depleted Warriors may be their best chance to win before a tougher stretch begins.
Is this injury trend a sign the Warriors are overextended?
Possibly. The Warriors have played 22 games in 37 days, with back-to-backs and long road trips. Their average age is among the highest in the league, and their depth is thin. With Curry, Butler, and Horford all managing nagging injuries, the team may be showing early signs of fatigue — a dangerous pattern for a squad trying to stay competitive in a loaded Western Conference.