Jimmy Butler, Warriors dealing with injuries to start preseason

SAN FRANCISCO — The Warriors should have all of their stars available for their preseason opener against the Lakers at Chase Center on Sunday.

Jimmy Butler “tweaked” his ankle during training camp practice on Thursday, and coach Steve Kerr and the medical staff held Butler out during the next two days. A few hours before tipoff, Kerr said the 36-year-old forward should be healthy enough to play.

“I think he’s gonna play,” Kerr said. “The vets won’t play in the second half. So Steph, Al, Jimmy  and Draymond, first half only, maybe 15 minutes.”

New signing De’Anthony Melton was also ruled unavailable for Sunday, as the guard is still rehabbing from a torn ACL that ended his 2024-25 season after just six games.

Rookie forward Alex Toohey’s debut was also delayed by at least one game as the Australian second-round pick is still dealing with tendinitis in his right knee. Seth Curry, Steph’s younger brother, was also a scratch.

“It’s because he came in late and hasn’t been cleared by the training staff,” Kerr said, noting that Seth Curry is completely healthy. He added that Kuminga is expected to play.

Third-year center Trayce Jackson-Davis, whom Kerr has praised during training camp after Jackson-Davis entered the preseason having slimmed down to 245 pounds, was questionable with a thumb injury.

Newly re-signed forward Jonathan Kuminga and new stretch center Al Horford are expected to play against Los Angeles.

The Warriors were not the only team dealing with injuries.

Superstar and eternal Golden State nemesis LeBron James missed the Lakers’ preseason opener Friday against Phoenix with a glute injury. Co-star Luka Doncic will also miss the matchup, as the Lakers are being cautious with his workload after the All-NBA talent spent the summer playing for his home country of Slovenia in EuroBasket. Austin Reaves was also held out for rest purposes.