Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Warriors Reveal Gary Payton II News Before Timberwolves Series

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Robert Marvi | Last updated May 5, 2025 7:36 PM ET

The Golden State Warriors were able to push aside the young and feisty Houston Rockets in Game 7 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday. Now, they will take on the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals.

Like the Rockets, the Timberwolves will bring a sizable frontline and one of the NBA's best defenses. Unlike the Rockets, however, the Timberwolves have a legitimate superstar in Anthony Edwards, a man who can win games almost by himself at times.

Guard depth will be key for the Warriors in round two. Gary Payton II didn't play in Game 7 due to an illness, and he is reportedly listed as questionable for Game 1 versus Minnesota on Tuesday.

Gary Payton II questionable for Game 1 with the illness that held him out last night. Rob Dillingham out with an ankle issue. Everybody else cleared for the opener of Warriors vs Timberwolves in Minnesota tomorrow night.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) May 5, 2025

Perhaps Payton isn't an overbearing defender. However, he can provide some scoring punch off the bench, and he seemingly has pogo sticks for legs.

Part of Golden State's strategy to contain Edwards will likely have to be to go at him when he's playing defense. That means multiple men, including Payton, will have to chip in and be in attack mode.

Payton averaged 6.5 points in 15.0 minutes a game and shot 57.4% from the field during the regular season. In Game 3 against the Rockets, he made seven of his nine field-goal attempts and scored 16 points in just 21 minutes as Golden State took a 2-1 series lead with a 104-93 victory.

The 32-year-old was a key contributor off the bench when Golden State won its most recent NBA championship during the 2022-23 season.

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

More must-reads: