Butler’s sore back will keep him in street clothes against his old team
Just like when the Philadelphia 76ers chose Ben Simmons and Tobias Harris over him, Jimmy Butler will not be playing in Philadelphia. At least this Saturday night.
Jimmy Butler (back) out tonight in Philadelphia, per Steve Kerr
— Danny Emerman (@DannyEmerman) March 2, 2025
Butler was originally considered “questionable” for the contest against the team he played for during the 2018-19 season. The 76ers sent him to the Miami Heat in a sign-and-trade deal in the summer of 2019, where he led the Heat to two Finals appearances. The Sixers chose to max out Tobias Harris and sign Al Horford instead of retaining Butler, who also brought back Josh Richardson to the 76ers. Then they got swept in the first round.
The problem with Butler appears to be back spasms. He went through shootaround with his back wrapped and was ruled out, likely as a precautionary move during the team’s five-game road trip. The Warriors may have also gambled that they could handle the 20-38 Sixers without their prized deadline acquisition. Or maybe they were worried a fan would hit him in his sore back with a battery.
Jonathan Kuminga remains out for the Warriors, though he did a full workout earlier today. He could be back as early as the Warriors’ next game on Monday, against the Charlotte Hornets.
Jimmy Butler had a wrap around his mid back after the Warriors’ shootaround this morning in Philadelphia. He remains questionable vs Sixers with back spasms. Jonathan Kuminga (out) was going through another full workout on his recovering ankle.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) March 1, 2025
Former MVP Joel Embiid has been shut down for the season by the 76ers. Former Warriors playoff opponent Kyle Lowry is still in the NBA, but he’s out of Saturday’s game, as is former playoff opponent Eric Gordon.
Podcaster/wing Paul George is wearing a split on his left pinky finger, but he will play against the Warriors. He recently announced that he was suspending “Podcast P with Paul George” for the immediate future while he focused on basketball, a decision that some Philly fans have regarded as roughly 55 games too late.
Will the Warriors be able to survive without Regular-Season Jimmy? Will Draymond Green trash-talk PG-13 about download numbers and ad revenue? Will Kevin Knox pick up the scoring load? Will Steve Kerr promise Quinten Post a cheese steak if he make three three-pointers?
Find out at 5:30 Pacific on ABC. the network that brought us Cop Rock!