Gary

Payton II

Curry has missed Golden State’s last two games, but he’ll likely return to action against New Orleans. His availability is great news for a Warriors team that’s dropped two straight. Curry’s return coincides with Gary Payton II’s absence due to a thumb injury, so he can fill that space in the starting five.

Per Charania, Payton suffered a torn ligament in his left thumb and will be out indefinitely. Only rostered in three percent of Yahoo! leagues, there’s no need for those fantasy managers to hold into Payton with this news. Moses Moody (14 percent rostered) will have added importance within the Warriors’ rotation, even if Stephen Curry (pelvis) can return to action on Friday against the Pelicans.

No specifics were provided regarding Payton’s injury or its severity, but that will change Thursday evening when the Warriors release their injury report for Friday’s game in New Orleans. He has averaged 21.7 minutes per game over the past two weeks, providing 10th-round value in nine-cat formats. Payton’s absence would be most impactful defensively, as he is one of the Warriors’ best defenders. Moses Moody, who’s in the starting lineup, will have added importance as the Warriors move onward without GPII.

While Kerr noted that Curry remains day-to-day with a pelvic contusion, he also said he would be “surprised” if the four-time champion did not play on Friday. While Quentin Post started the first game Curry missed, Gary Payton II replaced him in the lineup on Tuesday. Neither player will be worth holding onto in fantasy leagues once the Warriors get their superstar back.

The Warriors remain without Stephen Curry (pelvis), but it will not be Quinten Post who replaces him in the starting lineup. Payton II receives the nod, with Green shifting into the starting center role. Payton will likely match up with Tyler Herro, giving the Warriors a defensive boost on the perimeter.

Curry did not travel with the team for Saturday’s game against the Warriors, which is the first of six games Golden State will play on the road. His absence opens up minutes and opportunities for many players, including Moses Moody, Buddy Hield and Gary Payton II. It also means more will be required of Jimmy Butler, whose addition has given the Warriors an invaluable boost. Golden State’s next home game isn’t until April 4, and the team will play three road games during Week 21.

Payton is back after sitting out Thursday’s win over the Raptors. With Stephen Curry (pelvis) out, additional minutes will be available on the perimeter. However, Payton offers limited value to fantasy lineups, as the defensive stopper has been more valuable to the Warriors.

GPII missed Thursday’s game against Toronto, which allowed Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to fill out most of the reserve perimeter minutes. However, with Stephen Curry out, Payton II’s return would be a welcomed one, and he could slide right into the starting unit.

Curry suffered a pelvic contusion on Thursday against Toronto, as confirmed by an MRI. He will miss Saturday’s matchup with Atlanta but, depending on the results of Monday’s re-evaluation, he could return Tuesday to face the Heat. While Curry is out, Buddy Hield, Gary Payton II and Brandin Podziemski should see increased playing time.

Payton II has been a consistent producer off the bench for Golden State, but his absence will open up extra minutes for their other reserve guards. Brandin Podziemski and Buddy Hield should see a boost in value with Payton II sidelined.