1 week Ago By Athlon Sports
The Golden State Warriors are at home on Saturday night as they face off against the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of their first round series.Of course, the Warriors were able to take a 1-0 series lead after winning Game 1 but the Rockets were able to take advantage of a couple of Golden State’s injuries to tie up the series in Game 2.Now, the series heads to The Bay for a crucial Game 3 on Saturday night as both teams look to take control of the series.
Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy ButlerCary Edmondson-Imagn ImagesAhead of Game 3, the Warriors have made a massive announcement regarding Jimmy Butler and Jonathan Kuminga.According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Golden State has ruled out Butler for Saturday’s game due to a deep glute muscle contusion that he suffered late in the first quarter of Game 2 after taking a hard fall.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, 2025With Butler sidelined for Game 3, Charania reported that the Warriors will start Kuminga in his place and Quinten Post is also expected to join the starting lineup.
The Warriors are expected to also place rookie center Quinten Post into the starting lineup tonight against the Rockets, joining Draymond Green and Kuminga in the frontcourt, sources said. https://t.co/TubRNH9f4z— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 26, 2025Of course, Kuminga made his 2025 playoff debut in Game 2 following Butler’s injury after head coach Stee Kerr had benched him since the final game of the regular season.
In Game 2, Kuminga ended with 11 points, three rebounds and two assists in 26 minutes in place for the injured Butler.Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr talks to forward Jonathan Kuminga.Kyle Terada-Imagn ImagesFor Kuminga, this is a massive opportunity for him to prove to Kerr that he belongs in the rotation even when Butler eventually returns, if he is able to, by going out and putting together a great game for the Warriors on Saturday night.
Despite this, the Warriors will likely rely on Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Brandin Podziemski to carry most of the load in Game 3 but Kuminga should also see his fair share of touches in the matchup.Fans can catch Saturday’s crucial Game 3 matchup between the Rockets and Warriors at 8:30 p.m.
EST on ABC..
