In search of their first win of the 2024 calendar year, the Golden State Warriors will have to close out the Orlando Magic without a key piece in the rotation.
In the third quarter, Gary Payton II appeared to stumble on the court while playing defense on Magic guard Cole Anthony. Payton II quickly exited the game and left to the locker room.
Via @NBCSWarriors on Twitter:
Gary Payton II went to the locker room after getting shaken up on this play pic.twitter.com/Rkaji9hYeL
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) January 3, 2024
Payton II was later ruled out for the remainder of the contest due to a left hamstring strain.
Via @anthonyVslater on Twitter:
It's a left hamstring strain for Gary Payton II, per Warriors. He's out.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 3, 2024
Payton II recently returned to the court on Saturday after missing 13 games due to a right calf strain.
Without Payton II, the Warriors will continue to lean on young guards Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody in the backcourt alongside Steph Curry and Klay Thompson.
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