1 week Ago By Athlon Sports
The Golden State Warriors are hosting the Houston Rockets in a pivotal Game 3 matchup on Saturday.The club went on the road and split the first two games of the seven-game series 1-1 in Houston.Now, the Warriors are aiming to take the momentum back in the series.
Game 2 was a 109-94 loss for Golden State, as Jimmy Butler logged just eight minutes before suffering a nasty fall and a pelvic contusion.Brandin Podziemski was also a minimal participant, as he was dealing with an illness.Heading into Game 3 in Chase Center, Podziemski is set to play as he's on the mend from what was a foot-related illness, though Butler and Gary Payton II were both on the injury report leading up to the battle.
Butler's status is crucial to watch, however, as Stephen Curry's play ascends mightily when his co-star is on the hardwood.Given that the series is split 1-1, the Warriors need a big win to ensure they don't fall behind in a series they won the first game of while protecting their home floor.Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) falls to the floor during Game 2 vs.
the Rockets.Troy Taormina-Imagn Images Warriors make massive Butler announcementPrior to the game, the Warriors announced a crucial change to Butler's injury status, as he will miss the contest, with Jonathan Kuminga replacing him as a starter, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.“The Golden State Warriors will rule Jimmy Butler out of Game 3 against the Houston Rockets tonight (8:30 pm ET, ABC),” Charania shared on X.
“Jonathan Kuminga is starting in his place.”The Golden State Warriors will rule Jimmy Butler out of Game 3 against the Houston Rockets tonight (8:30 pm ET, ABC), sources tell ESPN. Jonathan Kuminga is starting in his place.
https://t.co/o8HygwksMN— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 26, 2025Golden State is a 3.5-point favorite over the Rockets heading into Game 3, and the Bay Area is ready to rock as they had a great environment when hosting a Play-In Tournament matchup (even if they caught flak for a lack of t-shirt wearing).
The game will be crucial, but it's not end-all-be-all as the Warriors get one more home game before heading back to Houston..
