Warriors announce key player injury updates before the seventh game: Payton Jr. may be absent

The Golden State Warriors will face the Houston Rockets in Houston for Game 7 of the first round of the playoffs on Sunday. Steve Cole's team hopes to avoid losing 3-1 again. Of course, the Golden State Warriors eventually lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers led by LeBron James in the 2016 NBA Finals with a 3-1 lead. The Warriors won their first game in Houston, but lost away in the second and fifth games. Worse, the Golden State Warriors could lose a key player in Game 7. The Warriors announced that it is uncertain whether Gary Payton II can play in Game 7 due to illness.

Payton II averaged 6.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 0.8 steals in the Rockets' series against the Warriors, with a shooting percentage of 50.0% and a three-point shooting percentage of 40.0%. The left-handed player has not yet stood on the free throw line.

The Houston Rockets are in a strong momentum after winning Game 5 and Game 6 and are about to usher in Game 7. However, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Cole said his team is ready for Game 7.

"Keep unity is not a problem," Cole said. "This team has been united and gone through everything. There is no doubt that the frustration has started to spread tonight. I can feel it, from their body language. We can't do that anymore. In Game 7, we can't afford to have such consequences."

"We have to be closely cooperating throughout the whole process. I love our opportunity. Over the years, I've seen the strength of this team. We've played many games in Game 7 and have had a lot of success. Jimmy Butler is Jimmy Butler." He played in all these games. He is one of the best players in the league at critical moments, so… we will be ready. We will regroup and be ready to go. ”

If Payton II misses in Game 7, Buddy Hilder will likely be the starter.