Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr is "relatively optimistic" Jimmy Butler will play in Game Three of their first-round series against the Houston Rockets.

The franchises renew their rivalry at Chase Center on Saturday with their series finely poised at 1-1.

Butler exited Game Two early on Wednesday with a "deep" pelvic contusion, though a subsequent MRI scan revealed he had suffered no fracture or structural damage.

The six-time NBA All-Star was injured in a heavy fall under a challenge from Amen Thompson in the first quarter.

Team-mate Steph Curry missed two games during the regular season last month following a similar injury, but Kerr believes there is every chance Butler will be ready to play on Saturday.

Sleep well, #DubNation

We’ll see you tomorrow on Warriors Ground. pic.twitter.com/6ovevaQKPO

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) April 26, 2025

"I'm relatively optimistic," he told reporters on Friday. "It's Jimmy, and we know he's willing to play through anything, so we'll see.

"This is a day-to-day thing, for sure, and we’ll see how he feels tomorrow. But I think there's a chance he plays.

Jonathan Kuminga deputised in Butler's absence during Game Two, scoring 11 points, and should he need to do so again, Kerr says the Warriors are ready for that scenario.

"There's not two game plans, but two rotations for," he added. "The game plan doesn't change."