“If Jimmy’s out, we have to rethink everything,” a trying-not-to-sound-nervous Kerr shared. After Jimmy Butler’s nasty fall in Houston during Game 2, Steve Kerr highlighted how crucial his status is for their strategy moving forward. Well, the superstar has been diagnosed with a pelvis and deep gluteal muscle contusion, and there is a high chance he does not suit up tomorrow. That’s because Jimmy has been listed questionable on the Warriors’ injury report.

But while concern rises among Dub Nation about his availability for Game 3, Butler seems unbothered by the noise and might even be putting his health at risk. Over the course of the day, Jimmy posted several pictures on his Instagram story, showing glimpses of his routine. And one image in particular caught everyone’s attention: Jimmy sitting on a chair playing a board game with his friend.

Although the image seems harmless at first, Jimmy’s seated position raises concern because it could worsen his pelvic contusion, putting his availability for tomorrow in jeopardy. Of course, Jimmy landed hard on his pelvis after Amen Thompson inadvertently dove into his lower body and swept his feet from underneath him. The Warriors’ star was in immense pain and limped off the floor, putting his night to an early end. So, Jimmy could use all the rest he can get before the next game. But his IG post tells a different story.

On the positive side, it may mean the injury is not as bad as everyone thought. Even veteran insider Marc J. Spears hinted at the same after he received a private text from someone in Butler’s close circle, “There is some hope, though. Bernie Lee, Jimmy Butler’s agent texts me saying ‘Pray for the Bear.’ That tells me there’s some optimism for Jimmy.” So, don’t be surprised if Jimmy gets a last-minute status upgrade before tomorrow’s tip-off. But what if he doesn’t?

Who will replace Jimmy Butler if he misses Game 3?

Of course, the best-case scenario for the Warriors would be Jimmy suiting up. Kerr won’t have to change his strategy and will likely continue with the same rotation he had in the first game. However, if the injury forces him to sit out a game or two, the head coach will have to rethink “rotations and who starts, and the best combinations and all that stuff.”

Obviously, the most natural replacement that comes to mind is Jonathan Kuminga. Well, JK and Butler play the same position, because of which the youngster has lost his minutes in the rotation. Before Game 2, Kuminga had three straight DNPs. But when Jimmy went down, Kerr immediately turned to him for help. Sure, he looked a bit rusty, finishing with just 11 points, but the head coach might have no option but to increase his minutes going forward.

Kuminga had a decent showing in the regular season, averaging 15.3 points and nearly five rebounds. So, he definitely has the potential to impact winning. All he needs is some confidence and playoff experience to get going.

Knowing that Kuminga’s number could be called in Jimmy’s absence, Stephen Curry had some words of motivation for him, “That’s the challenge and it’s always been for him to see the picture, understand the intensity that’s out there, try to be in the right spots defensively and then he has opportunities to be aggressive on the offensive end, take them. We trust him when he has the ball in his hands, however many minutes he’s out there, and be ready to play.”

Do you think Kuminga can fill Butler’s shoes as he puts his pelvis injury at risk?