Gary Payton II Cleared to Return, Ready to Ruin Opposing Guards' Weekends
Gary Payton II (calf) listed available to play Saturday. (Underdog NBA)
According to Underdog NBA, Gary Payton II has shaken off his calf injury and is officially listed as available for Saturday night.
This is the exact type of rotational update that barely moves the needle on national television but completely alters a late-game possession. Payton returning to the lineup is basically a jump scare for anyone trying to run a clean pick-and-roll.
The Warriors desperately need the help on that end of the floor. Despite a solid 6-3 start to the season that has them sitting just 1.5 games back in a crowded Western Conference, their defense has been highly questionable. is currently 19th in defensive rating, giving up 113.9 points per 100 possessions, which is basically an open invitation for opposing guards to get a career-high.
Before the calf issue sidelined him, Payton was doing his usual dirty work. In nine appearances this season, he is averaging 13.4 minutes and 5.1 points a night. You do not roster him for the offensive fireworks. You put him on the floor to make the other team's primary ball-handler reconsider their life choices.
From a betting perspective, his return is a subtle but vital factor for live totals and player props. Injecting a premier point-of-attack defender back into the rotation makes late-game defensive stops much more reliable when trying to cover a tight number.
tips off against the at 8:30 PM ET. The coaching staff might ease him back into the rotation, but even a short dose of Payton is enough to change the temperature of the game.