The Golden State Warriors begin their post-Jimmy Butler III life tonight. News broke at midnight that Butler had sustained a torn ACL during the team’s Monday night win over the Miami Heat, which ends his season. The Warriors were playing their best basketball and rising in the standings. Now, they’re facing a new reality, and our first data point as to how they’ll perform will be offered up tonight.
Unfortunately, they won’t have a full squad, as there are a few names joining Butler on the injury report. Here’s the full report for both the Warriors and their opponent, the Toronto Raptors.
Warriors
Out — Jimmy Butler III (right knee ACL tear)
Barring a deal to move his contract, you’re going to see that line in every injury report for the rest of the season, and for half of next season, too. It hurts to write.
Out — Al Horford (left toe injury management)
Horford has been playing excellent basketball lately, but that doesn’t change the fact that he doesn’t play in back-to-backs. He played on Monday against the Heat, so he’s out tonight.
Out — Seth Curry (left sciatic nerve irritation)
The younger Curry has been out for quite a while, but he’ll be re-evaluated soon. Hopefully we can see him back on the court before long.
Questionable — Draymond Green (right ankle sprain)
Green missed Monday’s win while nursing an ankle injury. With Butler and Horford out, the Warriors defense could look very grim if Draymond isn’t able to play tonight.
Questionable — Will Richard (right gluteal strain)
Richard has started the last two games — on Monday for Green, and on Saturday for Butler. After some time out of the rotation, he’s really re-established himself as a core part of the team. He’ll presumably start tonight if he’s able to play.
Questionable — Gui Santos (left ankle sprain)
Santos has missed the last two games after injuring his ankle in Thursday’s win over the New York Knicks. Now that Butler is out of the equation, there’s a big role for him whenever he returns.
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Raptors
Out — RJ Barrett (left ankle sprain)
Injuries have limited Barrett to just 23 games this year, and he’s missed the last five. Toronto is losing a lot of scoring with Barrett sidelined, as he’s averaging 19.6 points per game this season.
Out — Jakob Poeltl (lower back strain)
Poeltl hasn’t played in a month as he recovers from a back injury. He’s having a down year statistically — 9.7 points and 7.7 rebounds in 25.3 minutes per game — but is still a quality starting center whom the Warriors will be happy to not see.
Out — Ja’Kobe Walter (right hip pointer)
Fun fact: Poeltl and Walter are the only two players in NBA history whose first names begin with the letters J-A-K.
Out — Collin Murray-Boyles (left thumb contusion)
Murray-Boyles was the ninth overall pick in June’s draft, and the forward has played fairly well, averaging 7.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in just 21.5 minutes per game in his rookie year. He’s dealt with some injuries, though, and this will be his eighth absence of the year.
Enjoy the game, Dub Nation! It tips off at 7:00 p.m. PT on NBC Sports Bay Area.
