Warriors Announce Injury Update for Key Player Before Crucial Game 7

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ashish Mathur | Last updated May 4, 2025 3:32 PM ET

The Golden State Warriors face the Houston Rockets in Game 7 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday in Houston. Steve Kerr's group is looking to avoid blowing another 3-1 series lead.

Golden State, of course, lost the 2016 NBA Finals to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers after owning a 3-1 advantage.

The Warriors won Game 1 in Houston but lost Games 2 and 5 on the road. To make matters worse, Golden State could be without a key player in Game 7.

The Dubs announced that Gary Payton II is questionable to play in Game 7 due to an illness.

Gary Payton II questionable for Game 7 tonight with an illness.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) May 4, 2025

Payton II is averaging 6.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 0.8 steals in the Rockets-Warriors series while shooting 50.0 percent from the field and 40.0 percent from beyond the arc. The lefty hasn't been to the free-throw line.

Houston has all the momentum going into Game 7 after winning Games 5 and 6. However, Golden State head coach Steve Kerr said his group is ready to roll for Game 7.

"Staying together will not be an issue," Kerr said after Game 6. "This team has been connected and has been through everything. There's no question the frustration tonight set in. I could see it. The body language. We can't have that. We can't afford that in Game 7.

"We've got to stay tight the whole way through. I like our chances. I've seen what this group can do over the years. We've been in a lot of Game 7s, had a lot of success. Jimmy Butler is Jimmy Butler. He's been in all of these games. He's one of the clutch performers in the league, so ... we'll get ready. We'll regroup, be ready to roll."

If Payton II doesn't play in Game 7, Buddy Hield will likely start in his place.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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