Why Jimmy Butler isn’t playing for Warriors in 2nd half with possible injury update originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Golden State Warriors knew the risk of this roster construction.

With older players, injuries might pop up more frequently. Guys might need more rest. There might be more ailments than there would with a younger team.

Of course, when the veterans are as good as these guys, that can still work out OK.

But sometimes, it can backfire.

That appears to be what happened Tuesday night with Jimmy Butler.

He was questionable for the game, started, but then sat the end of the first half and didn’t start the second half.

Why isn’t Jimmy Butler playing?

It’s too early to know for sure why Jimmy Butler is sitting to start the second half Tuesday night.

The simplest explanation is that his pregame injury worsened.

ESPN’s Anthony Slater wrote this on X:

”Jimmy Butler is not starting the second half for the Warriors. He didn’t close the first half either. Entered the game questionable with lower back soreness and had a heat pad around it while resting in first half. Moses Moody in his place.”

Lower back soreness certainly sounds like something that could recur and cause problems.

It also sounds like something that could persist for days and weeks if not handled correctly.

It might be quite wise for the Warriors to let Butler rest a bit and heal, if that’s indeed what they’re doing.

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