PHILADELPHIA — The Golden State Warriors will take
the court without Jimmy Butler for the first time as he has been ruled out for Saturday night’s matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers due to back spasms.
Head coach Steve Kerr revealed that Butler started experiencing back pain after a hit from Orlando’s Wendell Carter Jr. during the Warriors’ 121-115 victory over the Magic on Thursday.
Since Butler joined the team before the trade deadline, the Warriors have thrived, boasting a 7-1 record with him in the lineup. Although Butler missed the team’s first game post-trade, which resulted in a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, the Warriors have found their rhythm since then, winning five consecutive games leading up to Saturday.
The Warriors are focused on securing the sixth seed in the playoffs to avoid the play-in tournament. They entered Saturday’s game tied with the Clippers, both holding a 32-27 record.
Alongside Butler, the Warriors will also be without Jonathan Kuminga, who is sidelined with an ankle injury but is actively working towards his return.
Jordan Miller Signs Four-Year, $8.3 Million Deal with Clippers
Jordan Miller Signs Four-Year, $8.3 Million Deal with Clippers
The LA Clippers have reached an agreement with two-way guard Jordan Miller on a four-year, $8.3 million contract, sources have informed ESPN. The team announced the signing on Saturday, though specific terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Miller, selected by the Clippers in the second round of the 2023 NBA Draft, has made a significant impact while playing for the franchise’s San Diego NBA G League affiliate. His new standard contract includes over $1 million for the final six weeks of the season.
This season, Miller has averaged 4.7 points over the course of 30 games. To accommodate his signing, the Clippers will waive forward MarJon Beauchamp, who averaged 2.2 points in 29 games.