Golden State Warriors Rule Out Key Player for Play-In Tournament
By Farbod Esnaashari
The Golden State Warriors are set to face the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night in their first play-in tournament game, and they will be without versatile guard Gary Payton II. Payton has been ruled out for the play-in tournament with a calf injury.
Gary Payton II will not play in the Warriors play-in game tomorrow, Kerr says. If Golden State advances to the second play-in game, he will miss that game as well.
— Kendra Andrews (@kendra__andrews) April 15, 2024
This is a major blow for the Warriors, especially against a team like Sacramento. While Golden State has gotten used to being without Payton, as he played just 44 games this season, his defense would have been crucial to Golden State's game plan against De'Aaron Fox.
A defensive specialist, Payton is elite on that end of the floor, and also gives the Warriors some unique options offensively as well. A lob threat at just 6'2", Payton can play as a roller offensively, and will also knock down the occasional corner three when left alone.
This is a win or go home game for both teams, as the loser will be eliminated, and the winner will go on to face the loser of the New Orleans Pelicans vs. Los Angeles Lakers game. The winner of that Pelicans vs. Lakers game will earn a date with the Denver Nuggets as the 7th seed, and the loser will face the winner of Golden State vs. Sacramento for a date with the Oklahoma City Thunder as the 8th seed.
Needless to say, this is a big one between Golden State and Sacramento.
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