After a gruelling Play-In tournament game against the Memphis Grizzlies, the Golden State Warriors are finally in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. But now’s where the real challenge begins. Stephen Curry and the Dubs, after having their fortunes turned around by Jimmy Butler’s acquisition, are looking to clinch another chip before the Baby-Faced Assassin hangs it up. But first, they’ll need to topple the Houston Rockets in round 1.
And beating the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference this year will not be easy. It really goes without saying that a compromised Warriors team probably won’t be up for the challenge of beating a young, dynamic team like the Rockets. So let’s see how the Warriors are doing on the injury front heading into game 1 of the Playoffs.
Golden State Warriors Injury Report – Will Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler play tonight against the Rockets?
In the Dubs’ last game, Jimmy Butler and Stephen Curry combined for a total of 75 points. Saying they’re crucial to their success is a massive understatement. So, Dubs fans may worry when we say that the Warriors’ injury report has Stephen Curry listed on it.
But before you rush to cancel your bets, hear us out. Steph Curry is listed as available on the Dubs’ injury report. However, he will play the Rockets game with a splint on his right thumb. Steph has been dealing with this injury all season. But he re-aggravated it in the game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Even so, it does not seem enough to discourage Curry from playing tonight.
Feb 25, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) is congratulated by guard Stephen Curry (30) after a basket against the Charlotte Hornets in the third quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
On the other hand, Jimmy Butler is not even on the injury report for the Dubs tonight. He is ready, fit, and available to play against the Rockets tonight. In fact, the final player on the injury report, Gary Payton II, was also available tonight despite being named on the injury report. Ironically, he’ll play with a splint on his left thumb instead of his right, like Curry.
Nevertheless, that’s it for the Dubs’ injury report for the upcoming Game 1 of the Playoff series against the Rockets. Now, let’s see who Steve Kerr might call upon tonight.
Golden State Warriors vs Houston Rockets – predicted starting lineup and depth chart
With all of their players healthy, head coach Steve Kerr will be spoilt for choice as he tries to settle on a starting lineup for this game. However, he previously revealed during the regular season that he doesn’t want to deviate from the team’s core starters too much. So here’s who will probably play against the Rockets tonight.
POSITION
STARTER
2nd UNIT
3rd UNIT
PG
Stephen Curry
Brandin Podziemski
Moses Mood
SG
Brandin Podziemski
Buddy Hield
Gary Payton II
SF
Moses Moody
Gary Payton II
Jimmy Butler III
PF
Jimmy Butler III
Draymond Green
Jonathan Kuminga
C
Draymond Green
Quinten Post
Kevon Looney
There’s a little history that needs to be considered when discussing this matchup. The Houston Rockets and the Golden State Warriors have faced off in the Playoffs 4 times in the last decade. The Dubs came away with the win in each of those 4 series. But can they do it in their 5th meeting?
Well, it goes without saying that this isn’t the Warriors team of old. However, they have a smoking gun among their ranks now. No, not Steph Curry. He’s incredible, but we’re talking about playoff Jimmy Butler. He’s become a player of mythical proportions as he seems to ascend to a different level during the postseason. With amazingly talented players on either team, the experience of Butler and Curry may likely be enough to guide the Warriors to a win against the Rockets in their 5th Playoff meeting.
And we’ll find out tonight if that’s the case. So make sure you don’t miss this first-round showdown!
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