The “Petty King” will be off his throne when Butler makes his Heat homecoming.
That long-rumored “spite game” we’ve all been circling? The showdown where Jimmy Butler walks into Miami like a WWE heel returning to his old stomping grounds? It’ll have to happen without Golden State’s most potent weapon. Steph Curry has officially been ruled out for Tuesday’s game against the Heat as he continues to nurse a pelvic contusion suffered last Thursday.
The timing couldn’t be worse for basketball drama enthusiasts. Butler’s return to face his former squad had all the makings of an instant classic – especially considering how the two franchises have traveled in completely opposite directions since the February trade (Warriors 16-4, Heat 5-17). Now the Warriors will need to face Miami’s remaining firepower without their 37-year-old offensive engine.
Steph Curry will not play tonight in Miami for the Jimmy Butler return game. Worked out yesterday and didn’t quite feel ready to return from the pelvic bruise. Warriors have two off-days prior to Friday night game in New Orleans.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) March 25, 2025
Per Anthony Slater of The Athletic, Curry worked out yesterday but “didn’t quite feel ready to return from the pelvic bruise.” While Heat reporter Tim Reynolds suggested Curry looked capable during shootaround, the Warriors are clearly playing it safe with their franchise cornerstone. With two off-days before Friday’s game in New Orleans, the Warriors are giving Curry’s 37-year-old body extra recovery time rather than rushing him back.
The cautious approach makes sense when you consider:
- The Warriors’ current position (6th seed at 41-30)
- The team’s remaining schedule (including that crucial Pelicans matchup Friday)
Coach Steve Kerr confirmed the expectation that Curry should return against New Orleans, telling Sam Gordon of the San Francisco Chronicle that Curry “didn’t just quite feel right” after a specific movement during Monday’s workout.
While Butler has attempted to downplay his return with his trademark “yada, yada, yada” dismissiveness, this matchup remains meaningful even without Curry. The 16-4 surge since Butler’s arrival has transformed Golden State from playoff bubble team to legitimate Western Conference threat.
The game tips off at 4:30 PM at Miami’s Kaseya Center, where the Heat will try to snap a brutal stretch that’s seen them lose 10 of their last 11 games. For Warriors fans, the most important victory might simply be getting Curry back healthy for the stretch run.