Three key Warriors players will miss the Thunder game! If the league finds a policy violation, a $100,000 fine will be imposed.

On January 3rd Beijing time, ESPN reported that the Golden State Warriors will be missing their three core players—Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green—in today's home matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Green is resting for this game; Curry suffered a left ankle sprain late in Thursday’s win over the Charlotte Hornets; Butler was not initially listed on the injury report but fell ill suddenly on Saturday and was ultimately ruled out.

This is the Warriors’ first home game in a back-to-back set after completing their road trip in Toronto, Brooklyn, and Charlotte. They will face the Utah Jazz on Sunday, hoping all three key players will be available for that matchup.

The game against the Thunder will be nationally broadcast on Amazon Prime Video. The NBA recently implemented player participation policies for nationally televised games involving star players. Both Curry and Butler, having been All-Stars in the past three seasons, meet the criteria for “star players.” If the league determines their absence is unjustified, the team could face a $100,000 fine.

Curry described his ankle sprain against the Hornets as feeling like a “recurrence of an old injury,” but said it is not serious. Early in his career, Curry struggled with ankle injuries. The team revealed that Butler woke up feeling unwell Saturday morning, which prevented him from playing.

The Warriors have won five of their last six games, improving their record to 18-16. In January, they have 10 home games out of their first 11, giving them a clear scheduling advantage.

So far this season, Curry has played 25 games, averaging 28.7 points, 4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists; Butler has appeared in 30 games, averaging 19.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists; Green has played 28 games, averaging 8.5 points, 6 rebounds, and 5.3 assists.