Warriors will miss key role player in play-in games

Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II.

The Warriors will go into the play-in tournament without a key role player.

Gary Payton II, arguably Golden State’s best perimeter defender in recent years, won’t be suiting up for Tuesday’s game against the Kings due to a calf strain. According to ESPN’s Kendra Andrews, Payton would also miss the second play-in game should the Warriors qualify for Friday’s No. 8 seed clincher.

Payton also missed the last three regular-season games with a calf strain. The second-generation hooper appeared in only 44 games for the Warriors this season due to multiple injuries. But every time he’s on the floor, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr doesn’t hesitate to give him the toughest defensive assignment on the perimeter.

As such, Payton would be a huge loss to a Golden State team that has trouble dealing with quicker guards. The regression of Klay Thompson as a defensive player, not to mention the playoff inexperience of Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski, doesn’t help Golden State’s cause either.

Without Payton, the Warriors will have their hands full against the likes of De’Aaron Fox and possibly against CJ McCollum if they match up with New Orleans in Friday’s game.

During last year’s first-round series against the Kings, Payton did his job of slowing down Fox every time he was called upon. He also played a key role in Golden State winning the 2022 NBA title.

Warriors versus Kings in the first play-in game tips off at 10 p.m. ET on Tuesday.

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