Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler didn't return to Monday's 135-112 victory over the Miami Heat due to a right knee injury.
Butler sustained the injury midway through the third quarter. The six-time All-Star leaped to grab an entry feed in the post and landed awkwardly. Butler immediately grabbed his right knee and screamed out in pain.
Prayers up for Jimmy Butler 🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/0RrwwWkf8w
— SleeperHoops (@Sleeper_Hoops) January 20, 2026
Butler was unable to put any weight on his right knee and had to be helped to the locker room by his teammates. The former first-round pick suffered a meniscus tear in 2018 and an MCL sprain in 2024 on the same knee, according to ESPN's Anthony Slater.
Jimmy Butler can’t put weight on his right knee. Buddy Hield and Jonathan Kuminga helping him to the locker room after a concerning scene in Chase Center. pic.twitter.com/4uSCuzXgEk
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 20, 2026
Butler is set to undergo an MRI, the Warriors announced postgame, per Slater.
"Praying for the best, as far as scans," teammate Stephen Curry said, according to Slater.
Butler had 17 points, four assists, three boards, and two steals in 21 minutes prior to his departure.
The 36-year-old was averaging 20.1 points, 5.6 boards, 4.9 assists, and 1.4 steals entering Monday's contest against his former team.
