The Minnesota Timberwolves will soon find out their opponent for the second round of the NBA playoffs, as the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors face off in Game 7 this evening.
However, just hours before tip-off, a key member of the Warriors' rotation was ruled out with an illness. Energetic guard Gary Payton II is out for the win-or-go-home matchup, leaving Golden State's backcourt with less depth than anticipated.
Alternatively, superstar Stephen Curry is dealing with a thumb injury that could limit his ability to shine in this possible elimination game. Curry will undoubtedly leave it all on the floor despite the poor circumstances and will be backed up by Buddy Hield, Brandin Podziemski, and Pat Spencer.
Payton doesn't flood the box score, but he consistently gives it his all on both ends of the floor. In such a high-pressure situation like tonight's game, each absence means a ton. If the Rockets' backcourt of Fred VanVleet, Jalen Green, and others takes control of the game, Warriors fans will certainly point to Payton being sidelined as part of the cause.
It's hard to say which team the Timberwolves would prefer to see in the next round, as each has different strengths. The Rockets were the far superior team in the regular season, finishing as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference and having talent scattered across their rotation. The Warriors, on the other hand, have more postseason experience than nearly any team in the last decade, led by Curry and playoff riser Jimmy Butler.
Minnesota's franchise cornerstone Anthony Edwards will play with the same mindset regardless, but for the Warriors, Payton's absence is far from ideal.
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