“Jimmy is Jimmy. We know he’s willing to play through anything.” During Friday’s team practice, Steve Kerr showed optimism about Jimmy Butler suiting up for tonight’s Game 3 against the Rockets. His availability has been in question ever since he took a hard fall in Houston following an unfortunate mid-air collision with Amen Thompson. Heading into the game, the Warriors listed him as questionable on the injury report. And Jimmy’s status has been downgraded as we head closer to tip-off.

Yes, Butler has been ruled out of tonight’s highly anticipated clash. Reason? The pelvis and deep glute muscle contusion he suffered in Game 2. That’s unfortunate news because tonight was supposed to be Jimmy’s Bay Area playoff debut wearing a Warriors uniform. He would have received tremendous support from Dub Nation had he taken on the Rockets. But now, we will have to wait until Monday’s Game 4 to see that happen.

Moreover, Jimmy’s absence is a massive blow to the team because he has been a crucial part of their rotation, averaging 17.9 points and nearly six assists during the regular season. And that form has continued in the playoffs. In the first game against the Rockets, Butler scored 25 points and seven rebounds, leading the Warriors to victory. Surely, the Bay Area team will miss his versatility tonight.

Without Jimmy Butler, the Warriors’ offense sputtered, especially inside the arc, and their defense had no answer for Jalen Green’s 38-point eruption. But his absence shifted all of Houston’s defensive attention onto Stephen Curry, suffocating the Warriors’ offensive rhythm and efficiency.

However, Kerr was already prepared for such a situation. On Friday, he revealed that the coaching staff is working on setting up two rotations, one with Butler and one without him. In Jimmy’s absence, Jonathan Kuminga will take his spot, getting his first start of these playoffs.

Well, he is the natural replacement because Jimmy and Kuminga play the same position. Even when Butler got hurt in Game 2, Kerr called JK’s number, playing him for 26 minutes after three straight DNPs. The forward looked rusty, finishing with only 11 points on 4 of 12 shooting. Hopefully, Kuminga will be more prepared tonight. That’s because his role could become crucial if Jimmy continues to remain sidelined.

National reporter gives concerning Jimmy Butler health update as Steve Kerr makes major lineup change for Game 3

Apart from giving Kuminga his first start, Kerr is also putting Quinten Post as the team’s starting Center. He will replace Moses Moody. The idea is to provide more spacing with the Kuminga and Draymond duo on the court, who are usually more dominant in the paint. Of course, Post is a stretch five, who had an incredible rookie season, averaging 8.1 points and nearly four rebounds. He shot 40.8% from deep during the regular season.

Even in the last game, he scored 12 points. So, Kerr would be expecting similar contribution from him tonight. While Kerr works out the rotation without Jimmy, the injured forward’s health might be worse than everyone initially thought. As per veteran insider Shams Charania, “He basically has no mobility and it’s not just about playing through pain or taking pain killing shots, he literally cannot move well enough to play basketball tonight for the Warriors.”

If Jimmy doesn’t recover soon, there is a possibility he misses more games going forward. His next chance to suit up will be on Monday and Charania says the Warriors are hopeful for his return. Do you think Stephen Curry and Co. can protect home court without him?