The Golden State Warriors face a pivotal moment in their season as they take on the Houston Rockets in Game 7 of the first round of the 2024–25 NBA Playoffs. With a trip to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the next round on the line, the Warriors will be without a key piece of their rotation: Gary Payton II.
The team officially ruled out Payton due to illness, marking a significant loss given his impact on both ends of the floor. According to Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, Payton woke up feeling ill and has been unable to eat—prompting the coaching staff to hold him out as a precaution.
“Gary woke up sick, hasn’t been able to eat,” Kerr said, via Anthony Slater of The Athletic. “There’s no way he can play. We’re still discussing the impact on the rotation and potential lineup adjustments.”
Payton’s value on both ends
Payton, one of Golden State’s best perimeter defenders and a reliable spark off the bench, has averaged 16 minutes per game in the series, contributing 6.3 points and 2.3 rebounds on 50% shooting from the field and 40% from three. His presence has provided a defensive edge, particularly against Houston’s quick backcourt.
Gary Payton II #8 of the Golden State Warriors reacts during their game against the Minnesota Timberwolves
Over the course of the regular season, Payton remained steady in his role. In 62 NBA games (11 starts), he averaged 6.5 points and 3.0 rebounds per game while shooting 57.4% from the field and 32.6% from beyond the arc.
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Injuries continue to plague the Warriors
Payton’s absence marks the third time this series a Warrior has missed a game due to sudden health concerns. Rookie guard Brandin Podziemski was severely limited in Game 2 due to a stomach illness that restricted him to 14 ineffective minutes. Jonathan Kuminga also missed Game 5 after being sidelined by a migraine.
Starting lineup shuffle expected
With Payton out, the Warriors are expected to make changes to the starting five. Podziemski is likely to rejoin the starting unit alongside Buddy Hield, Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green. In Game 6, Payton started while Podziemski came off the bench.
Rotational adjustments are also on the table. With Houston relying on a bruising frontcourt led by Steven Adams and Alperen Şengün, Golden State may lean more on Kevon Looney. The Rockets have posted a staggering 46.3% offensive rebound rate with Adams and Şengün on the floor together. Looney played just two minutes in Game 6 but is expected to see more action in Game 7.
“I would expect Loon to play more than he did last night,” Kerr said. Jonathan Kuminga could also see expanded minutes due to Houston’s physical style of play—something Kerr may need to counter to avoid being overpowered on the interior.
