GSW • Guard • #0
While Payton’s left thumb injury is not an issue for Game 7, he has been added to the injury report due to an illness. While he did start the Warriors’ Game 6 defeat on Friday, the veteran guard logged 20 minutes with Brandin Podziemski playing 29 off the bench. If Payton cannot play on Sunday, Podziemski should return to the starting lineup.
about 5 hours ago
May 4, 2025 3:38 PM
GSW • Guard • #0
1 day ago
Warriors coach Steve Kerr started Payton over Brandin Podziemski, with the veteran wing capable of helping out defensively and making the Rockets pay out of the dunker spot. Unfortunately, the change did not result in increased production from either player. Payton shot 40 percent from the field, while Podziemski (10/7/3/1 with two three-pointers) shot 4-of-9. Given how Game 6 played out, it would be unsurprising if Kerr returned to Podziemski as his starter for Game 7 on Sunday.
GSW • • #
1 day ago
Only Steven Adams attempted more free throws than Butler in Game 6, and the Rockets’ backup center was being fouled intentionally. Butler was able to attack the basket consistently, but he and Stephen Curry could not do enough to carry the Warriors on a night when many of their rotation players struggled. As a result, Golden State is headed back to Houston to play a Game 7 on Sunday after holding a 3-1 series lead.
GSW • Guard • #30
1 day ago
After not waiting long into the second half of Game 5 to pull the plug, Warriors coach Steve Kerr played his key options heavy minutes on Friday in hopes of ending the series. Unfortunately for him, the move didn’t work, despite the efforts of Curry and Jimmy Butler. They combined to score 56 points, but the other three starters combined 13 on 5-of-17 shooting. The Rockets have used multiple approaches to defending Curry, and while the numbers have remained, his efficiency has taken a hit in the last two games. He’ll look to rebound in Game 7 on Sunday.
LAC • Guard • #1
about 18 hours ago
After scoring 28 in a critical Game 6 victory, it appeared that Harden was ready to have a big Game 7. Unfortunately, it just didn’t happen. The assists were great, but he didn’t step up as a scorer in the way that a star should. Harden will be 36 at the start of next season, but there is no indication that he’ll slow down during the regular season. Managers should draft him with confidence next season, even if he continues to struggle during the postseason.
DEN • Guard • #0
about 18 hours ago
Braun has been solid throughout the postseason, but he had his highest-scoring performance of the series in the closeout win. This was also a new playoff career-high for him. Braun has enjoyed a breakout season, and that has continued into the postseason. He has solidified his role as a starter beyond this season, which bodes well for fantasy basketball. He’ll have a tall task in the second round of the playoffs in a matchup with the top-seeded Thunder.
DEN • Guard • #4
about 19 hours ago
There were plenty of highs and lows for Westbrook throughout the series, but with the season on the line, he rose to the occasion. He had some big moments in the fourth quarter to solidify the win for Denver and eliminate his former team. Despite what social media may say, Westbrook is still more than capable of making an impact in the playoffs, and they will need him to produce like he did in this game during their matchup with the top-seeded Thunder in the second round. For now, Russ gets the last laugh after both Los Angeles teams were eliminated in the first round.
