Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler has been dealing with some ongoing ankle problems throughout the preseason, but he has yet to miss a game directly because of this injury. That will change on Tuesday night, as Butler will miss the Warriors' fourth preseason game on the road against the Portland Trail Blazers due to an ankle sprain.
While Butler has been dealing with on-and-off again ankle problems during the preseason, this injury occurred on Friday during practice when the Dubs star “tweaked” his ankle, as described to ClutchPoints. He is being held out from Tuesday's game against the Blazers out of precaution, head coach Steve Kerr said on Monday.
Butler missed Sunday night's game against the Los Angeles Lakers due to an excused absence.
The good news surrounding Butler and the Warriors is that this is a minor ankle injury and it is not expected to sideline him for an extended period of time, sources told ClutchPoints. Butler is being labeled as “day-to-day,” and this minor ankle roll is not expected to keep him out for Golden State's season opener on October 21 against the Lakers.
Although some swelling in his ankle remains, the Warriors are confident that Butler will be available and ready for Opening Night in Los Angeles, sources said.
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More concern surrounds Moses Moody, who is dealing with a calf injury he had imaging done on, than Butler.
So far this preseason, Butler has made two appearances, registering 21 points, six rebounds, and five assists in 32 total minutes. Much like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, the 36-year-old forward has been easing his way into full speed and letting others get involved during these tune-up games.
In 30 games with Golden State last season, Butler averaged 17.9 points, 5.9 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game while shooting 47.6 percent from the floor.
With Butler on the floor, the Warriors posted a 23-7 record during the 2024-25 regular season and went on to advance to the 2025 Western Conference semifinals, where they fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games.