Gary Payton II DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Thursday's game against the Toronto Raptors. Payton is dealing with left knee soreness and it appears to be significant enough to hold him out of this contest. Normally, the absence of Payton wouldn't mean too much, but the 32-year-old has been playing 20 minutes or more in six of his last seven games. The expectation is that Brandin Podziemski and Buddy Hield will absorb the extra minutes. Both are worth a look as streaming options, but Podziemski is probably the choice between the two.

Golden State Warriors guard/forward Gary Payton II (knee) has been tagged as questionable for Thursday's encounter with the Toronto Raptors. He is battling soreness in his left knee. If he is not cleared to play, Payton II will miss his second game of the month. Golden State has used Payton II more often in March, as the veteran has averaged 21.6 minutes per game. He has shown off some outstanding shooting form, nailing 62.7 percent of his attempts from the field to average 12.3 points with 3.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals. Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield will likely get more work off the bench if Payton II is ruled out on Thursday.

Golden State Warriors guard/forward Gary Payton II (leg) is a late scratch for Thursday's matchup against the Houston Rockets. He didn't appear on the initial injury report before the team ruled Payton II out due to a right peroneal contusion. With Payton II's absence, Golden State loses one of its best defenders, but the late change in the lineup will not have any significant circumstances in fantasy basketball.

Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (illness) has been cleared to play ahead of Wednesday's game against the Sacramento Kings. Payton was questionable earlier in the day and considered a game-time decision coming into this contest due to an illness. Payton is officially good to go and is going to be part of the starting five once again. That doesn't mean too much considering Payton only played 11 minutes during Monday's game. He might offer some low-end streaming appeal, but most fantasy managers can look elsewhere for help.

Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (calf) has not played since Christmas Day, missing nine straight games with a left-calf strain, but he could be nearing a return. According to The Athletic's Anthony Slater, Payton was able to scrimmage on Sunday and worked out again on Monday. Payton will not play Monday in Toronto, but the team is hopeful he can return in Minnesota on Wednesday. Payton has averaged only 13.1 minutes in his 28 games this season, producing 4.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 0.7 steals. When he returns, he'll bring the Warriors some depth and defense in the second unit, although his role will likely remain limited.