The Golden State Warriors are getting set to host the Houston Rockets in one of the most important games of the year. And if it feels like I’ve been calling every game that lately, well … it’s because they’ve all been extremely important. It’s Game 4 of the first-round playoff series between the No. 7 Warriors and No. 2 Rockets, and a whole lot is at stake. With a win, the Dubs will take a commanding 3-1 lead, and make it crystal clear who the better team is. With a loss, the series will be tied 2-2, Houston will re-gain home court advantage, and the momentum will shift.
So yeah. It’s a big game. And, as expected, there are some notable names that are dealing with ailments. Here’s the full injury report.
Warriors
Questionable — Jimmy Butler III (left pelvic contusion)
Butler remains questionable after a hard fall in the first quarter of Game 2, which cost him nearly all of that game, and kept him out of Game 3. But on Monday morning, Shams Charania reported that the team is expecting Butler to play. And in the afternoon, Chris Haynes took it a step further, saying that Butler will play. All signs point towards Playoff Jimmy suiting up.
And assuming he does, expect him to play heavy minutes. While Steve Kerr said that Butler is still a game-time decision, he did reveal that there will be no minutes restriction if Butler plays.
Steve Kerr said Jimmy Butler will have to warm up first, but Warriors are hopeful he’ll be able to play tonight. No minutes restriction, playing time will be determined by how Butler is feeling.
— Danny Emerman (@DannyEmerman) April 29, 2025
Available — Steph Curry (right thumb splint)
Curry is still dealing with a splint — and a whole lot of tape — on his shooting hand. It won’t keep him from playing, but it does make his offensive explosions that much more impressive.
Available — Gary Payton II (left thumb splint)
Payton was one of the heroes in Game 3, and he’ll look to reprise that role in Game 4.
Rockets
Out — Jae’Sean Tate (right ankle impingement)
Out — Jock Landale (right knee contusion)
Both Tate and Landale have missed the entire series to this point, and I expect them to miss the rest of the series. It’s a hurt to Houston’s depth, but neither figured to be in the rotation if healthy.
Questionable — Steven Adams (illness)
There is not a bone in my body that questions whether Adams will play. He’s one of the toughest players in the NBA and, like Brandin Podziemski last week, I’d be shocked if an illness keeps him off the court. But the illness that hit Podziemski (which he credited to food poisoning from having sushi in Houston) did keep him from being effective, and that could happen with Adams. He’s been a problem that the Dubs haven’t had an answer for this series, with 21 rebounds off the bench … including 10 on the offensive glass. He’s also played strong interior defense without committing a single foul. It will be a huge break for the Warriors if he’s compromised.
The game has a scheduled tip-off of 7:00 p.m. PT on TNT. Enjoy the action, Dub Nation!