Warriors Navigate Rising Injury Concerns on Final Leg of Road Trip

The Golden State Warriors enter the weekend with more questions than answers as they continue a challenging stretch on the road. Already hovering below .500, the team is managing several key injuries that threaten to further disrupt its rotation. The most recent concern involves forward Jimmy Butler III, who underwent an MRI on his sore left knee this week.

Butler’s setback originated from a hard foul absorbed during a win over the New Orleans Pelicans last Saturday. Though he played through the discomfort that night and started Tuesday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, he did not return for the second half. His absence Thursday against the Philadelphia 76ers signaled a growing need for evaluation.

The Athletic’s Nick Friedell reported that the MRI was conducted to determine the extent of the soreness, though the organization remains optimistic that the issue is not long-term. Still, with Golden State scheduled for a back-to-back this weekend against the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls, caution is guiding the team’s approach.

As the Warriors prepare to face two opponents with winning records, they do so without clear timelines for multiple starters—raising pressure on the supporting cast and complicating the team’s effort to regain early-season momentum.

1. Butler’s Knee Evaluation Adds to Uncertainty

Jimmy Butler III has been one of Golden State’s most reliable contributors this season, averaging 19.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, five assists, and 1.6 steals across 20 appearances. His efficiency—above 50 percent from the field, nearly 44 percent from three, and above 85 percent at the line—has helped steady the Warriors through early injuries elsewhere. However, the lingering soreness from last week’s foul has kept Butler sidelined. Friedell noted that while the team is not overly concerned, there remains no definitive timetable for his return. Butler has already been ruled out for Saturday’s matchup in Cleveland, and his availability for Sunday in Chicago remains uncertain. Butler’s last outing came Tuesday in a loss to the Thunder, where he played only 15 minutes before discomfort forced him to the bench. His absence places a significant scoring and defensive burden on the rest of the roster, particularly with other starters unavailable. As one of the team’s elder statesmen at age 36, Butler’s health will be managed carefully. Golden State faces a delicate balance between urgency in the standings and long-term durability for one of its most important veterans.

2. Curry’s Quad Injury Extends His Absence

Butler’s situation comes as the Warriors continue to play without Stephen Curry, who has missed every game since Nov. 26. Curry suffered a left quad injury and muscle strain during a tight loss to the Houston Rockets, and has now been sidelined for over a week without a clear return date. The Warriors have struggled without their star point guard, who remains the engine of their offense. Without Curry’s scoring gravity, Golden State has faced increased defensive pressure, leading to inconsistent shot creation and a heavier workload for role players. The team has been cautious in updating Curry’s status, offering no firm timeline for his return. Given his importance, the Warriors are likely prioritizing a complete recovery rather than rushing him back into action. As injuries continue to stack up, Curry’s absence looms especially large. The Warriors’ offense, which relies heavily on spacing, movement, and his deep shooting range, has lacked its usual rhythm during this stretch.

3. Green’s Foot Injury Complicates Weekend Outlook

Golden State is also monitoring the status of Draymond Green, who left Thursday’s one-point loss to the 76ers in a walking boot after injuring his right foot. Friedell reported that Green underwent an MRI and was unsure how much time he might miss. The injury occurred in the second quarter, where Green attempted to play through the discomfort before limping to the locker room. He did not return after halftime. While Green remained upbeat following the game, he acknowledged uncertainty surrounding the recovery timeline. Green has dealt with a right foot issue at various points this season, and Thursday’s setback raises questions about whether the injuries are connected. Head coach Steve Kerr emphasized the need for caution and indicated that Green’s status will be closely monitored ahead of the weekend games. With Butler out, Curry still sidelined, and Green’s availability unknown, the Warriors face the final two games of their road trip with mounting pressure and limited roster stability. The team sits at 11–12, searching for a way to stay competitive amid a demanding schedule.