The understaffed Warriors just got more understaffed. Against the reigning champions no less. The Golden State Warriors were looking dicey going against Oklahoma City Thunder tonight. The anxiety was at its peak when Jimmy Butler was listed as questionable before the game. And now he’s not in it and OKC is up 64-75 in the third quarter.

Jimmy Butler abruptly left for the locker room in the second quarter. There was no obvious incident that indicated any injury. The second half started without him. He’s not on the bench and there’s no word about his status yet.

Butler’s status was questionable with a gluteal contusion before the game. He was cleared to play and was on the floor for about 15 minutes. He had six points, three rebounds and one assist by then.

The update came as soon as the fourth quarter began. Butler has a sore left knee. The team is yet to confirm if he’s ruled out for the rest of the game.

While the Warriors remained mum on Butler’s status, Gary Payton II started the second half in his place. Payton has so far tallied six points and the Dubs have cut the deficit close, standing at 79-81 with less than two minutes left in the third quarter.

With about five minutes left in the game and the Warriors within one point of OKC at 107-108, the team officially ruled out Butler. Now we need to keep an eye out for a report on the severity of his knee injury.

Warriors’ Injury Woes Mount with Jimmy Butler

If Butler is unable to play in this game or further, it would mean a huge setback for the Warriors right now. Stephen Curry is ruled out till his quadriceps injury will be re-evaluated in a week. Al Horford and Trayce Jackson Davis were ruled out ahead of the game.

Fans are starting to post about the signs they saw. Apparently Butler started out the game favoring one leg. His limp got worse as the game progressed before his exit.

He’s played previous games this season through some back soreness. Other times he’s had to rest out games. When he’s available, Butler keeps the Warriors offensive at a steady pace with double digits.

Without their veteran stars in the second half, the Warriors rallied and outscored the Thunder 44-28. The Warriors have a fighting chance with OKC in a 3 point lead in the fourth.

Now Butler joins Curry on injury watch. Fans can only hope he returns before Steph.

This is a developing story.