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The Golden State Warriors hope to avoid a near-fatal 3-0 deficit in the first round of the 2023 NBA playoffs Thursday when they host the Sacramento Kings. The Warriors have struggled on the road this season but remain juggernauts at home and will now have to win two games to maintain a strong chance at winning the series.
The Warriors are already going to be without Draymond Green after his actions from Game 2 led to a suspension for this game. They’ve also listed three key players in their rotation as questionable for the contest. Here’s a look at their statuses.
Warriors Injury Report vs. Kings
Andrew Wiggins (shoulder) - available
Jordan Poole (ankle) - available
Gary Payton II (illness) - OUT
Update: Payton II is out for Golden State.
Update: Wiggins and Poole are in, while Payton II remains questionable. This was always the most likely scenario for the initial injury report update, as illnesses are harder to predict. The Warriors probably need Payton II to suit up just to have an extra body.
Wiggins likely has some issues as he continues to ramp up to basketball shape, though his performance in Game 2 was much better than Game 1. Poole has struggled, so clearly the ankle is bothering him more than expected. However, the Warriors would still want him on the floor especially since they’re down Green no matter what. Payton II’s status is a bit more up in the air given how illnesses can go south quickly, but I’d expect all three players to be able to suit up in Game 3.