Warriors guard/forward Gary Payton II will be out for at least three weeks after suffering a Grade 2 left hamstring strain against Orlando on Tuesday, according to a press statement from Golden State.
Payton left Tuesday’s triumph in the third quarter due to a hamstring issue, just his second game back from a right calf strain that kept him out for 13 games. He never returned to the game.
Payton was injured while defending Magic player Cole Anthony as he brought the ball up the floor. According to NBC Sports Bay Area, the Warriors guard fell awkwardly while attempting to avoid a screen placed by Paolo Banchero.
Payton has had multiple injuries over his career, including one that limited him to only 22 games in 2022-23. The 31-year-old defensive stalwart played an important role in Golden State’s championship run in 2021-22.
Payton is making $8.7 million this season and has a $9.1 million player option for 2024-25.
