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Golden State Warriors likely to receive extra boost for Game 4 v Kings

By Peter O'Keefe

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 07: Gary Payton II #8 of the Golden State Warriors blocks the shot of Terence Davis #3 of the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center on April 07, 2023 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 07: Gary Payton II #8 of the Golden State Warriors blocks the shot of Terence Davis #3 of the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center on April 07, 2023 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Coming off a comfortable 17-point win in Game 3, the Golden State Warriors will be buoyed by the return of Draymond Green as they seek to tie up their first-round series against the Sacramento Kings on Sunday afternoon.

But while Green made the headlines after serving a controversial one-game suspension in Game 3, it’s easy to forget that the Warriors were also without their best perimeter defender in Gary Payton II who was absent through illness.

Pivotal in containing the Sacramento Kings’ guards, Gary Payton II is ‘probable’ to return for the Golden State Warriors in Game 4.

Payton is listed as ‘probable’ on the official injury report, with Golden State seeking to again limit Sacramento pair De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk after they combined for just 30 points on 31 shots in Game 3.

The 30-year-old’s absence on Thursday came after increased responsibility in Game 2 where he played 27 minutes. The current illness has to be a frustration for Payton given the work he’s gone through to get back to this point after an injury-interrupted season.

Gary Payton II throws down a dunk for the Golden State Warriors against the Sacramento Kings in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Gary Payton II throws down a dunk for the Golden State Warriors against the Sacramento Kings in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Fellow Warrior guard Jordan Poole is also probable as he continues to deal with an ankle injury sustained in the third-quarter of Game 1. After a disastrous Game 2 where he was practically unplayable in the second-half, Poole started in Game 3 and was a little more productive with 16 points, five rebounds and four assists.

With Green returning, the Warriors are likely to revert to their usual starting lineup with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Green and Kevon Looney. That did present issues in Game 2 though when Kerr struggled to find effective combinations with three guards (Poole, Payton and Donte DiVincenzo) coming off the bench.

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Domantas Sabonis has been withdrawn from the Kings side of the injury report, suggesting he’s overcome the sternum contusion that originally had him questionable for Game 3. Sunday’s game will tip off shortly after 12:30pm PT.

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