Wed May 07 04:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Warriors Guard Gary Payton II Out for Game 7 Due to Illness
**Houston, TX** – Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II will miss Game 7 of their first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets due to illness, coach Steve Kerr announced Sunday. Payton, who started Game 6 after coming off the bench for the first five games, woke up feeling unwell and was unable to attend the team’s shootaround. Kerr described Payton as “sick as a dog,” stating he hasn’t eaten and is unable to play.
The absence of Payton, who scored 16 points in Game 3, is a significant blow to the Warriors. Kerr acknowledged the impact on the team’s rotation, stating that they will need to “mix and match” to compensate for his absence. While he confirmed that several players will see increased minutes, he declined to specify which lineup combinations would be employed. The Warriors will face the Rockets in a decisive Game 7 later tonight.
First Piper 