Injury Update: Gary Payton II (illness/elbow) set to play Game 1 vs. Timberwolves

After Gary Payton II missed Game 7 against the Houston Rockets, the veteran guard was still listed as questionable for Tuesday’s Game 1 against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of the postseason. Payton’s injury designation changed from an illness to left elbow inflammation on Tuesday.

However, prior to the start of Game 1, Steve Kerr confirmed Payton II would be available to play on Tuesday night in Minnesota.

Warriors expect Payton to play in Game 1, per Steve Kerr. He was getting some pregame treatment with Rick Celebrini on the court for his shooting elbow. https://t.co/1Fe5okuGyC

— Danny Emerman (@DannyEmerman) May 7, 2025

Before missing Game 7 on Friday in Houston, Payton II was given the starting nod for Game 6 in San Francisco. In Game 6, Payton II tallied five points on 2-of-5 shooting from the field with three rebounds, an assist and a steal in 20 minutes.

Payton II will give the Warriors veteran depth on the wing and another defender to match up with Timberwolves star guard Anthony Edwards.

Game 1 is set to begin at 6:30 p.m. PT at Minnesota’s Target Center on Tuesday.

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

This article originally appeared on Warriors Wire: Injury Update: Gary Payton II set to play Game 1 vs. Timberwolves