Jimmy Butler Sidelined with Pelvis Injury, MRI Scheduled After Warriors-Rockets Collision

Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler is heading for an MRI after being ruled out for the rest of Game 2 in the Western Conference first-round matchup against the Houston Rockets. The incident happened early in the first quarter, when Butler took a hard tumble following a foul involving Rockets' Amen Thompson. The collision sent both players to the floor, but Butler remained down longer, clearly in discomfort.

The initial diagnosis is a pelvis contusion. Butler attempted to shake off the pain, hobbling down court to take his free throws—making one out of two—before exiting the game and heading straight to the locker room. Not exactly the heroic playoff moment fans were hoping for.

The injury occurred as Thompson was pushed into Butler’s legs while they both went for a rebound, causing the kind of pileup that every NBA player dreads. While Thompson bounced up relatively quickly, Butler needed extra time before being helped off the court.

With Butler sidelined, the Warriors struggled and the Rockets capitalized, cruising to a 109-94 victory that evens the series. Now, all eyes turn to Butler’s MRI results and whether he’ll suit up for Game 3, scheduled for Saturday at 8:30 p.m. Eastern.