NBA Champion Ruled Out For Warriors-Kings Game

Gary Payton II has been ruled out for Tuesday's game between the Warriors and Kings.

Mar 7, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr reacts after / Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

On Tuesday evening, the Golden State Warriors will be in Saramento to face off against the Kings.

The winner of the game will advance to the second play-in tournament game, while the loser will head home for the offseason.

For the game, the Warriors will be without a significant role player, as NBA Champion Gary Payton II has been ruled out.

He had already missed the previous three games, so this will be his fourth straight out of action.

Via Anthony Slater of The Athletic: "Warriors have changed Gary Payton II’s injury designation from left calf tightness to a left calf strain. He’s out vs Kings, the only player listed on the injury report."

Warriors have changed Gary Payton II’s injury designation from left calf tightness to a left calf strain. He’s out vs Kings, the only player listed on the injury report.

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) April 15, 2024

Payton II has played in 44 games this season and is averaging 5.5 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.1 assists per contest while shooting 56.3% from the field and 36.4% from the three-point range.

DUBS PLAY BASKETBALL IN 24 HOURS pic.twitter.com/ZXSMFaIjwa

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) April 16, 2024

The Warriors finished as the tenth seed in the Western Conference with a 46-36 record.

They have gone 8-2 over their last ten games and most recently beat the Utah Jazz by a score of 123-116.

Last season, the Warriors were the sixth seed and lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round of the NBA playoffs.

Apr 9, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) reacts / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

As for the Kings, they are the ninth seed in the Western Conference with a 46-36 record.

Last season, they made the NBA playoffs for the first time since the 2006 season.

However, the Kings lost to the Warriors in the first round (in seven games).