NBA Rumors:How Malaki Branham & Gary Payton II Injuries Affect The Spurs and Warriors

After coming off the bench for the first month of the season, the Spurs have been willing to be patient through the 20-year-old’s mistakes as he tries to learn the point guard position.

Known as a scorer in his lone year at Ohio State, Branham spent a little time as the lead guard last season, but now it appears to be his job for the remainder of the season.

“It’s a whole new world for him, and he’s absorbing it every game, basically trying to figure out the role,” coach Gregg Popovich told Orsborn. “It’s a tough role; it’s the most difficult on the court, really, in some ways. So, he’s been very successful in taking steps each time to understand how he can help the team, with being aggressive, decision-making, all those sorts of things. He’s dealing with all that, been doing well.”

Branham has started 18 of the past 19 games, though he is only averaging  23.6 minutes a game over this stretch. He averages 9.1 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 turnovers while compiling a shooting slash line of .438/.333/.917 in these contests.

Branham’s biggest issue is on the defensive end. Branham is not quick enough to guard point guards, and while he wasn’t great a season ago when playing on the wing, he was much better than this year. This is particularly true on the perimeter. Opponents shoot 57.6% from the field and 50% from the 3-point line when he is the primary defender. Last season, opponents made over 51% of their field goal attempts against him but only 35% of their 3-pointers.

How The Spurs Could Replace Branham

Branham is considered day-to-day, though that may change as their Thursday game against Milwaukee gets closer. However, it would be a shock if  Branham didn’t miss at least a game.  Even before Branham suffered the injury, San Antonio was already shorthanded. Backup center Charles Bassey is out for the season, and Zach Collins is slated to miss 2-to-4 weeks with an ankle injury.

“We miss Malaki, and we miss Zach, but everybody’s got somebody that’s out, so that’s not a big deal,” Popovich said. “But for us it is because they’re such a young team and need all their bodies. But I’m pleased with their effort. They just have to keep the attitude up.”

If Branham misses time with the injury, Tre Jones will likely move into the starting lineup. Jones is one of the top backup point guards in the league. However, Jones started 65 of 68 games he appeared in and set career-highs in nearly every category. This included points per game (12.9) and assists (6.6). The biggest knock on Jones is his size and shooting.

Blake Wesley, who set several season-highs last night, may also see an uptick in minutes. Wesley scored 10 points on 5 of 8 shooting and came up with two steals in a season-high 21 minutes.

Gary Payton II Out For Several Weeks

Golden State Warriors reserve guard Gary Payton II will be sidelined for several weeks after straining his left hamstring, per The Athletic’s Shams Charania.

In just his second game back from a right calf strain, Payton exited Golden State’s victory over Orlando in the third quarter with a strained left hamstring.

The injury occurred while Payton pressed Magic guard Cole Anthony in the backcourt.  It appears that Payton saw a ball screen set by Paolo Banchero and tried to avoid it. But he stumbled and fell awkwardly to the ground.

Prior to this setback, Payton was sidelined for 13 games from Nov. 30 through Dec. 30 and has appeared in just 16 games this season.

“I feel bad for him more than anything. I feel bad for us, too, but mainly for him,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said, per Andrews. “He makes such a big impact for us. So, fingers crossed that he’s not out for too long.”

While Payton doesn’t provide much offense for the Warriors, he is arguably their best perimeter defender and a crucial part of their wing rotation. He is also a strong rebounder, takes high-percentage shots, and is an excellent finisher around the rim.

Golden State has a +5.3 net rating in Payton’s 261 minutes this season, compared to a -0.5 mark in the 1,338 minutes he hasn’t played.

“He’s such a big part of our team,” Warriors guard Chris Paul told Andrews. “People may not realize it, but his energy is consistent every day — every practice, every game. Him coming back has been huge for us. So I hope whatever it is isn’t going to take a long time. I think for him, it’s going to be about getting as healthy as possible.”

Golden State has a +5.3 net rating in Payton’s 261 minutes this season, compared to a -0.5 mark in the 1,338 minutes he hasn’t played.

With Payton sidelined again, Andrew Wiggins probably will see a slight uptick in minutes from the 21 he played against the Magic. But it also means that Moses Moody, who hasn’t played since Payton returned, will get a few regular minutes with the second unit again.