Already without Draymond Green who is serving a one-game suspension, the Warriors were dealt another blow prior to Game 3.
Key reserve and defensive ace Gary Payton II is not available due to an illness. Payton — who missed practice on Wednesday — was a game-time decision and head coach Steve Kerr did not yet know his status when speaking to reporters prior to Game 3.
The Warriors officially listed Payton II as out on their pre-game injury report.
Gary Payton II (Illness) is out for tonight's game against the Sacramento Kings.
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) April 21, 2023
So far this series, Payton is averaging 10.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game while playing 23.5 minutes per game off the bench, He was likely to see an expanded role in Game 3 with Jordan Poole sliding into the starting lineup to replace the suspended Green.
Arguably Golden State's top perimeter defender, Payton II's absence is huge against a Kings backcourt that is slicing and dicing the Warriors so far this series. De'Aaron Fox and Malik Monk are averaging a combined 56.0 points through Game 2.
How long is Gary Payton II out?
No official announcement has been made about his status beyond Game 3.
The teams have two days off between Games 3 and 4 with the next game on Sunday afternoon at 3:30 pm ET.
Warriors vs. Kings schedule, TV channels
As the West's No. 3 seed, the Kings have home-court advantage in the first round. Games 1, 2, 5 and 7 will be played in Sacramento, Calif., and Games 3, 4 and 6 will be played in San Francisco.
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The complete schedule for Warriors vs. Kings is below.
| Date | Game | Time (ET)/Result | TV channel |
| April 15 | Game 1 | Kings 126, Warriors 123 | ABC |
| April 17 | Game 2 | Kings 114, Warriors 106 | TNT |
| April 20 | Game 3 | 10 p.m. | TNT |
| April 23 | Game 4 | 3:30 p.m. | ABC |
| April 26 | Game 5* | TBD | TBD |
| April 28 | Game 6* | TBD | TBD |
| April 30 | Game 7* | TBD | TBD |
*If necessary