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[Saba Sports News] The Golden State Warriors’ already tough task in Game 7 just got harder.
Guard Gary Payton II has been ruled out for Sunday’s win-or-go-home matchup against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center due to an illness.
He was a late addition to the injury report and officially ruled out about three hours before tipoff, suggesting the illness was significant enough to keep him from even attempting warmups.
Payton, 32, may not post eye-popping stats—averaging 6.5 points and 3.0 rebounds this season—but he’s widely regarded as the Warriors’ best perimeter defender. His absence leaves a major gap in Golden State’s defense, especially given Draymond Green’s more interior-focused role.
In Game 6, Payton started over Brandin Podziemski and has averaged 6.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in just 16 minutes per game during the series—while shooting 40% from three.
With him now sidelined, Podziemski is expected to return to the starting five, with Moses Moody likely seeing increased minutes. The Warriors may also need to dig deeper into their bench to fill the void left by one of their most reliable defensive anchors.