Is Jimmy Butler playing tonight against the Houston Rockets? Latest on Warriors superstar's availability (Apr. 23)

Jimmy Butler is expected to take the floor for the Golden State Warriors for Game 2 of the 2024 NBA playoffs. The veteran forward was not listed on the team's injury report ahead of their showdown against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday. His availability comes as a massive boost for the Warriors unit looking to head home with a 2-0 start.

Butler was key for Golden State in their playoff opener with 25 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and five steals. He was the perfect foil as Steph Curry dropped 31 points coupled with six rebounds and six assists. As for the injury list, the Warriors will be fielding a healthy outfit for the midweek showdown.

---

"He calms things down": Steve Kerr lauds Jimmy Butler for his calm influence in crunch situations

Speaking about Jimmy Butler's impact on the side, head coach Steve Kerr called his presence as confident and poised. Per ESPN:

"He has that impact every game. He calms things down. He's very confident. He's very poised. He always believes we're going to win. Jimmy is -- he's one of the best players in the league, and that's what the best players in the league do. It's not just about scoring or stats. It's about settling the game down, having the presence and the nature to compete and win games like this."

Butler will be looking to win his first ring after being traded midseason to the Warriors. The side led by Curry will be keen to go the distance and with an All-Star veteran in the mix, they have cemented their case as one of the legitimate contenders for the title.