The Golden State Warriors will compete without three key players—Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green—in their home game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on January 5, 2024. Curry suffered a left ankle injury during the team’s recent victory against the Charlotte Hornets, while Green is resting. Butler, who was not initially on the injury report, was ruled out due to illness on the day of the game.
As part of a challenging schedule, this matchup marks the first of a home back-to-back for the Warriors. Following their recent road trip, which included games in Toronto, Brooklyn, and Charlotte, the Warriors will also face the Utah Jazz the following night. The team remains optimistic that Curry, Butler, and Green will return to action for the game against Utah.
Injury Status and League Regulations
The NBA has implemented a player participation policy aimed at ensuring star players participate in nationally televised games. Both Curry and Butler have been selected as All-Stars in the past three seasons, making them subject to potential fines. If the league determines that their absences are unwarranted, each player could face a fine of up to $100,000.
Curry described his ankle twist against the Hornets as a “little blast from the past,” referencing his history of ankle issues, but reassured fans that he would recover. The team announced that Butler woke up feeling unwell, prompting his late exclusion from the lineup.
Despite these setbacks, the Warriors have shown resilience, winning five of their last six games and improving their record to 18-16. With ten of their first eleven games in January taking place at home, the team is looking to capitalize on their supportive crowd as they push for a playoff berth.
Fans can catch the action of the Warriors versus Thunder game on Prime Video, which has become a prominent platform for NBA broadcasts. As the season progresses, the performance of the Warriors’ remaining players will be critical in maintaining their momentum amid these absences.
