It appears Gary Payton II soon could re-join the Warriors' rotation.
The injured guard missed Golden State's previous three games after suffering a partial tear in his left thumb on March 25 against the Miami Heat, but on Thursday, the team provided an encouraging update, stating Payton is "making good progress" and while he will not play in the marquee matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena, is considered "day-to-day."
Warriors guard Gary Payton II, who suffered a partial tear of a ligament in his left thumb during Golden State’s game at Miami on March 25, is making good progress. He will not play in tonight’s game against the Lakers and will be considered day-to-day moving forward.
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) April 3, 2025
In 58 games this season, Payton is averaging 6.6 points, 3 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game on 58.5-percent shooting from the field and 33 percent from 3-point range in 14.9 minutes off the bench.
The 32-year-old two-way player is a key piece of coach Steve Kerr's rotations, and has been missed on both ends of the floor in recent games.
However, it appears the Warriors could have him back sooner than later.
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