The Warriors have been without a key contributor in Gary Payton II for the majority of their run to the NBA Finals.
Payton, who has become a defensive ace for Golden State, suffered a fractured left elbow and ligament damage after he was on the receiving end of a flagrant foul in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Grizzlies.
When Payton went down, the Warriors expressed optimism that he could return to action if they advanced to the Finals. Will he be available for Game 1?
Here is what we know on Payton's status.
Is Gary Payton II playing tonight vs. Celtics?
On Friday, May 27, The Athletic's Shams Charania reported that Payton was “on track” to return to action in the NBA Finals.