The Golden State Warriors are at home at the Chase Center on Thursday night as they host the Toronto Raptors.
Golden State enters Thursday's contest coming off a victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday and they have also won eight of their last 10 games as they have bene one of the hottest teams in the NBA over the past month.
Toronto has also been hot recently as they have won six of their last 10 games but they have dropped two straight.
The Raptors also enter Thursday's game beat up, which the Warriors will look to take advantage of to pick up another victory.
Despite this, Golden State made an unfortunate injury announcement ahead of the game as they have ruled out Gary Payton II due to left knee soreness.
Gary Payton II is out for the Warriors tonight vs Raptors. Left knee soreness.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) March 20, 2025
Payton II has played a key role off the bench for the Warriors this season and Golden State will miss his production in their second unit on Thursday.
This season, the 32-year-old guard is averaging 6.5 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game while shooting 57.8% from the field and 32.2% from three-point range.
With Payton II out, Brandin Podziemski and Buddy Hield will be relied on more at the shooting guard position as the Warriors look to continue their hot streak.
The good news for the Warriors is that Payton II is the only player on their injury report for their matchup with the Raptors as their superstar guard Stephen Curry will return after missing Tuesday's victory over the Bucks due to rest.
Fans can catch Thursday's matchup between the Raptors and Warriors from San Francisco at 10:00 p.m. EST.
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This story was originally published March 20, 2025 at 5:54 PM.